RYDER’S BET

NEWCASTLE United have been handed huge odds on lifting the FA Cup this season – despite being offered the chance of a great start to this season’s competition.

The Magpies were handed a home tie against League Two leaders Luton Town in Monday’s third round draw, but despite being handed a great opportunity to get into the fourth round, they find themselves as 50/1 shots to win the trophy with William Hill, Paddy Power, Betway and 10Bet. Sky Bet offer slightly less, 40/1, for the Magpies to win their first FA Cup since 1955.

If Newcastle can get past the Hatters, they know that at least two Premier League teams will have gone the journey by that point, with two all-top flight ties coming up as Liverpool face Everton and Brighton take on Crystal Palace.

A clutch of Premier League sides are also facing testing away trips, with Norwich City hosting Chelsea, Southampton travelling to Fulham, Wolverhampton Wanderers taking on Swansea City at Molineux, Shrewsbury Town hosting West Ham United, Arsenal making the journey to Nottingham Forest, Coventry City tackling a home game with Stoke City, and Bolton Wanderers facing Huddersfield Town on home turf.

Newcastle are also 14/1 to reach their first FA Cup final since 1999 and 11/2 to get to the semi-finals for the first time since 2000. The game to end in a draw at 9/4.