Palace held to draw in midweek

Every year, the same cliches get churned out about the FA Cup and the competition is built up to be something it used to be - but isn't anymore. Sure, these matches can still trigger joy and generate excitement, but only after the event.

Michael Holden of Best of the Bets picks out some of the weekend's key fixtures and offers his expert advice

It's only a small card in League Two on Saturday with 13 out of 24 clubs still involved in the FA Cup but the section has nonetheless managed to throw up a couple of value bets good enough to grace any weekend preview.

Peterborough chairman Darragh MacAnthony has backed manager Darren Ferguson's decision to fine and transfer-list four players following a breach of club discipline.

Life at Leeds United isn't quite shaping up to be how Neil Warnock imagined it when he accpeted Ken Bates' offer to come back into management last February and we fancy in-form Watford to compound the increasing frustration around Elland Road on Saturday. Take the 13/8 available on Watford (draw no bet).

Ian Holloway takes charge of Crystal Palace for the first time against Ipswich at Selhurst Park tonight hoping to recreate the magic that swept his former club Blackpool into the Barclays Premier League.

Norwich City 1 Stoke City 0

Bolton begin a new era tomorrow, although new manager Dougie Freedman could have had easier baptisms than a trip to in-form Middlesbrough.

Aston Villa have become the first Premier League club to publicly back a new campaign for trials of standing areas for fans in top-flight and Championship matches.

Fulham left-back Matthew Briggs has joined Bristol City in a one-month loan deal.

Leicester City consolidated their position at the top of the Championship last night with a 1-0 win over Brighton. Andy King's 10th-minute goal earned a sixth win in seven games for Nigel Pearson's side.

Ipswich boss Paul Jewell admits his future is still very much in the balance as he prepares to lead his struggling side into tonight's npower Championship clash with former employers Derby at Portman Road.

Experienced duo could pair up to rescue Wanderers following Coyle's sacking