The first certainty of the weekend is that the 16 FA Cup fourth-round fixtures have to go down as the most uninspiring for many a year.

That’s a given with the likes of Torquay matched against Crawley and Sheffield Wednesday drawn out of the hat with Hereford and the only tie that in any way floats neutral boats is the one at Goodison Park between Everton and Chelsea on Saturday dinner time.

That doesn’t mean to say we can’t make money, though and the second and third certainties over the next few days dictate that all we have to do is roll up at the bookies, place a double and sit back and wait until it’s time to collect the winnings.

Certainties I reckon in the shape of Bolton and Burnley who should easily dispose of Wigan and Burton respectively at the first time of asking and yet the combined price for both doing so is a monster 11/8.

Get on large is the advice with our selections seemingly having far too much in hand for their opponents.

Let’s take Bolton for example, a side, despite Monday’s hammering by Chelsea, that are currently enjoying a renaissance under the astute leadership of Owen Coyle. They’re fit, they’re strong and they’re tough as teak in stark contrast to a Wigan side that for the past 18 months has looked as flimsy as balsa wood when put under any sort of pressure.

And just to clinch it the Trotters – judging by the players asked to do a job against non-league York in the last round – will likely field a near-strength starting XI which if they so wish will include recent signing David Wheater who avoided getting cup-tied whilst at