[Justin O]

2003-02-16 Stoke - Chelsea Pick: Chelsea, Odds: 1.51, Stake: 8, Bookmaker: Canbet

Though I of course liked Chelsea as soon as this fixture was announced, this was not a match I anticipated taking simply because I didn't think I'd find a price sufficiently high. Canbet's 1.51 however, is enough to get me to bite. Yes the FA Cup is filled with shocking upsets, but I just don't see one here. Confident in the knowledge that they will not have to play both Manchester United and Arsenal, I look for Chelsea to come out motivated to take care of business vs. Stoke in pursuit of what is the most coveted trophy they still have a shot at.

2003-02-16 Energie Cottbus (0) - Hannover (0) Pick: Hannover, Odds: 2.30, Stake: 4, Bookmaker: Canbet

Both of these clubs are near, or at, the bottom of the table now. That however, does not tell the whole story. Hannover are clearly a better club than their record indicates. They've played particularly well lately (6 points from 3 matches since the break) and and have actually played better away than at home. Cottbus, though still last in the table, have also taken 6 points from their 3 matches since the break. Nonetheless, I'm not willing to pronounce them cured based on three recent positive results. The Cottbus defense should have problems containing a capable Hannover offense. And while Hannover's defense is also very weak, they should be able to contain Cottubus enough to give their offense a chance to win. I'll take a medium stake with a (0) handicap due to a certain degree of difficulty in making Bundesliga picks so soon after the break.

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