The Wizard focuses on Cup quarter-finals

First up Middlesbrough beat Liverpool 2-0 at the Riverside and despite a nervy second half most odds-on punters were rewarded when the match produced under three goals.

England and Ireland played out one of the worst Six Nations matches for some years but all we were concerned about was that England covered the 10 point handicap with the bookies.

Finally Bolton beat Newcastle 1-0 on Sunday, netting us just under £100 profit on the weekend. Our balance is still well in the red but we will be positive this time next month.

This weekend the FA Cup takes centre stage with most of the teams, barring Arsenal and Burnley, clashing head to head in the quarter-finals.

On Saturday morning Coventry meet Chelsea and it's hard to make a case for the Championship side, even at odds of 6/1 at home.

The Sky Blues are on the upward spiral after beating Premier League Blackburn in the last round and look to be heading to the play-offs.

But Chelsea are a different proposition and Guus Hiddink's 110 per cent winning start looks likely to continue.

Carling Cup winners Manchester United travel to London to face Fulham at Craven Cottage.

United will have their supporters at 11/10 but I believe this is a tougher proposition than bookmakers anticipate.

I could make a case for the draw at 9/4 but the best option in this game is the 4/5 that the match produces less than three goals.

In Fulham's last outing they drew 0-0 at Arsenal and it will be interesting to see what team Sir Alex puts out for this one.

Fulham have only lost once at home this season, conceding just nine goals. Only the top three teams have a better record, while Man United have the tightest defence on their travels, conceding just six, so a tight encounter can be expected.

Another game where goals will be scarce is at Goodison Park between Everton and Middlesbrough.

Both teams will be taking the Cup seriously with it being their only chance of silverware this season.

In their two league matches this term only three goals were scored and in the last 15 matches between them only one has seen more than two goals.

So 8/11 that the trend continues rates great value.

The Cheltenham Festival starts next Tuesday and all eyes will be on the Gold Cup showdown between Denman and Kauto Star.

The racing action kicks off with the Smurfit Kappa Champions Hurdle on Tuesday, with Festival hot pot Binocular the warm favourite at even money.

But the best bet lies in second favourite Celestial Halo at 10/1.

The Paul Nicholl's trained horse has already won at Cheltenham in last year's Triumph Hurdle and looks a great each way bet to be in the first three.

Running total: -£250

Suggested bets:

£50 - under three goals in Fulham v Manchester United @ 4/5

£50 under three goals in Everton v Middlesbrough at evens

£10 each way on Celestial Halo @ 10/1