FA Cup betting – Stoke vs. West Ham

Stoke vs. West Ham betting preview

Stoke

Stoke’s weekend defeat to West Ham has dampened spirits in the Stoke camp and has left them in 12th place in the Premier league but they are by no means safe with only 4 points separating them from the relegation zone. Attention will be turned to this weekend’s FA Cup fixture and Stoke will be itching to get revenge on the Hammers.

Asmir Begovic has quickly overtaken Thomas Sorenson as Stokes number 1 keeper but made a mistake gifting the Senegalese striker Demba Ba a goal, so Begovic will understandably be looking to make amends in this fixture so how about a bet on Stoke keeping a clean sheet at odds of 2.63 on Bet365. Stoke’s main threat understandably comes from the crosses and long throws of Mathew Etherington and Rory Delap meaning that Stokes goals are likely to come from the air, step in club record signing Kenwyne Jones, master of headed goals. Jones is priced at 2.6 on Bet365 to score anytime in the fixture.

West Ham

The Hammers are experiencing an upturn in form and it has only been two months since there were reports of Avhram Grant being sacked and replaced by Martin O’Niell. Will they be focussing on league survival though and forsake the FA Cup? Demba Ba has been on outstanding form since his arrival in the transfer window, with 4 goals in 4 games he must be good value to open the scoring at a price of 8.5 on Bet365.

Since coming back from injury Thomas Hitzlsperger has been in inspirational form, with a goal and an assist in his last two games. Avhram Grant has already come out and said having ‘the aptly named ‘Der Hammer’ back has been like having a new signing at the club. He may not be guaranteed a start so maybe a bet on him scoring the last goal of the fixture could be a good one with odds of 15.0 on Bet365.

This looks set to be a much tighter affair than last week’s game at Upton Park. The Hammers do seem to be riding on a high of late but at home Stoke are a completely different team and could make things very difficult for Grant’s men.

Highlighted Bets:

Home Clean Sheet 2.63 Bet365
Anytime Goalscorer Kenwyne Jones 2.6 Bet365
First Goalscorer Demba Ba 8.5 Bet365
Last Goalscorer Thomas Hitzlsperger 15.0 bet365

By John Fernandez

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FA Cup betting – Southampton vs Manchester United

Southampton vs Manchester United betting preview

Southampton

Southampton are having a good season in League 1, however this is the FA cup and as we have seen in the past we are to expect the unexpected in this tournament. One of the main spectacles of the day is going to be Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, the English born winger who is subject to intense transfer speculation about whether he will move to Arsenal or Manchester United. With all of this pressure Oxlade-Chamberlain could pull all the stops out, making a bet on him scoring a goal anytime in the fixture all the more tempting at odds of 6.5 on SkyBet.

Southampton last faced Manchester United in this tournament 7 years ago when Southampton were still in the Premier League, the result was 3-0 to United that day, whether we will see a repeat of this is another question, the odds of this happening are 12.0 on PaddyPower and at that price definitely worth a shout. Check out the latest FA cup free bets.

Manchester United

Manchester United are sitting at the dizzy heights of the Premier League summit now and don’t look like they are going to be moved any time soon. So surely a tie away against a team 48 positions beneath them in the football league should cause them no bother, but alas it is ties like this that always seem to catch the Red Devils out. Firstly United are without young Brazilian right-back Rafael, secondly it is probably to be expected that Sir Alex will give some of his youngsters a run out. So the likes of Javier Hernandez, Chris Smalling, Michael Owen and Tiago Bebe could be handed rare starts. Michael Owen always had a good run of form against Southhampton when he played under Gerard Houlier scoring three times against them for Liverpool, so he is good value for money at 6.0 on Bet365 to open the scoring.

It’s hard to look beyond United for this tie, since while upsets do happen and taking into account that United may field a second string team, there is still too much quality in the United side for it to be beaten by a side battling for automatic promotion in league 1. While Southampton will show some fighting spirit and not go down easy there could be a few goals in it.

Highlighted Bets

Anytime Goalscorer Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain 6.5 SkyBet
Correct Score Man U 3-0 at best odds 12.0 with Paddy Power
First Goalscorer Michael Owen 6.0 bet365

By John Fernandez

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FA Cup betting – Man Utd vs Crawley

Man Utd vs Crawley betting preview

Manchester United: League Position: 1st, League Form: WWWLW

What to say of Manchester United? If anyone thought they would stumble after defeat at Wolves they were proved wrong after a 2-1 victory at home to Manchester City, emphatically put to bed by a nailed on goal of the season by Wayne Rooney

But what bearing does that result have on their cup tie against minnows Crawley Town? None you’d expect. There is not a chance the team Sir Alex Ferguson puts out won’t be good enough to hammer Crawley, and logic suggests they will do just that. The likes of Owen and Hernandez are likely to get a chance, young Dane Lindegaard in goal, Darron Gibson could play and maybe Fabio Da Silva at the back, but it’s really anyone’s guess as to the starting eleven. Choose a free bet for this match here.

All that can be said is that the Reds have a Champions League tie to prepare for next week, but the manager will not want a repeat of FA Cup draws with Exeter in 2005 and Burton in 2006, so will select a side to overwhelm the opposition.

Crawley Town: League Position: 2nd, League Form: DWDWD

Justifying why Crawley Town can beat Manchester United is a near impossible task. Other than the ‘magic’ of the FA Cup there is really nothing to suggest David can beat this Goliath, the biggest club in England.

The side are favourites to win the Blue Square Premier, three points off leaders AFC Wimbledon with four games in hand, and are seen by some as the Manchester City of the Non-League. They’ve spent big money for their level, but this trip pays them back. They are expected to take around 9,000 fans with them for the day of a lifetime, but, even more importantly perhaps, they are making a great deal of money, with reported figures of around £750,000 made out of their cup run.

Top scorer, and match winner in the last round at Torquay, Matt Tubbs is likely to be on the end of any chances Crawley do create, and is definitely the man to watch for fans of a giant killing.

Match Prediction: MANCHESTER UNITED WIN 1.08 BetFred

There really is little scope for a giant killing here. A draw would be a fantastic result for Crawley Town, but this is the payday their cup run deserved, and the reward for fans and players alike. Many would never have dreamed of seeing their side at Old Trafford, the players most likely gave up hope of ever playing at the magnificent stadium.

With the result somewhat a foregone conclusion, other markets could be money makers. If you think Crawley can frustrate the Premiership leaders then 5.00 at Coral and William Hill for a draw at half time before a Manchester United win at full time looks a fair price, whilst anyone who wants a fun bet can try BlueSq’s market asking who Wayne Rooney swaps his shirt with.

Crawley Town, and giant killing, dreamers can back Matt Tubbs first goal at 21.00 with Stan James, Bet Fred and Bet365, whilst likely United starter Michael Owen is available at 5.00 with Bet365.

Reccomended Bets:-

Over/Under: Under 3.5 Goals – 2.00 Bet365
First Goalscorer: Michael Owen – 5.00 Bet365
Correct Score: 3-0 Manchester United – 7.5 BetFred
Half Time/Full Time: Half Time Draw/Full Time Manchester United – 5.00 William Hill

By Chris Wilkerson

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FA Cup betting – Man Utd vs Arsenal

Man Utd vs Arsenal betting preview

Manchester United take on Arsenal in the FA Cup quarter final on Saturday and it gives manager Arsene Wenger and Alex Ferguson a chance to renew rivalries. Man United have already knocked out rivals Liverpool along the way and will be looking to win the competition for the 12th time. While Arsenal overcame Leyton Orient in the last round and will also be eager to win the competition after losing out to Birmingham in the League Cup final. It will, though, be a tough task for the Gunners who haven’t won at Old Trafford since 2006.

Man Utd vs Arsenal odds

Man United

Two consecutive defeats against their closest rivals has put Man United’s position at the top of the Premier League under pressure. They are though still in a good position to progress in the Champions League and in with a good chance to win the FA Cup if they can progress through against Arsenal on Saturday. Last time out Liverpool really took advantage of the missing defensive pairing of Nemanja Vidic and Rio Ferdinand and their inclusion may have a big impact on the outcome this weekend. Vidic will return from his ban which will give the team a boost but Ferdinand is still doubtful. Wayne Rooney will be a key figure for Man United if they are to progress and the striker has started to find some after scoring 3 goals in his last 5 games in all competitions. With this in mind the Englishman is looking good at 6.0 with bet365 to open the scoring. The Red Devils are slight favourites to win against an Arsenal team struggling recently and best priced at 2.05 with William Hill. A comprehensive 3-1 home win is also showing really nicely at 17.0 with Skybet. Compare free bets from UK bookmakers here.

Arsenal

Arsenal have stuttered slightly over the last couple of weeks in their pursuit of a first trophy since 2005. After losing out in the Cup final to Birmingham they have since failed to make ground on the leaders and lost out in the Champions League to Barcelona. Arsene Wenger may now prioritise the FA Cup in an attempt to bring some silverware to North London this season. Robin Van Persie and Cesc Fabregas both played despite slight injury worries in midweek and should play in Manchester as Arsene Wenger will be looking for a response from his side. The Gunners haven’t had a good experience at Old Trafford in recent seasons and that is reflected in the odds with Arsenal being best priced at 4.0 with Paddy Power to get the win. Robin Van Persie is most certainly the danger man for Arsenal after scoring 14 goals for the Gunners this season and the Dutchman is a good bet at 3.2 with Boylesports to score at any time.

Highlighted Bets

Wayne Rooney first goal scorer – 6.0 Bet365
3-1 Man United WIN – 17.0 Skybet
Robin Van Persie anytime scorer – 3.2 Boylesports
Vidic to score with a header in 90 mins – 11.0 Paddy Power

By Sam Markham

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FA Cup betting – Leicester City vs Man City

Leicester City vs Man City betting preview

Leicester City: League Position: 12th, League Form: LDLWW

Sven Goran Eriksson is manager of a Leicester side with lofty ambitions. Sound familiar? Except this time, everything is a touch scaled down.

The man who first took on the job of managing the new, cash rich Manchester City (who later got even richer) faces his old club.

The team come off two consecutive wins. One of English football’s forgotten men Darius Vassell got them the winner on Monday against Swansea, and is another man facing a former club. This tie can be summed up for Leicester by looking at the cost and quality of the reserve side they’ll be playing.

It’s the FA Cup, and as such there are always shocks, but the emphatically professional style that Mancini has drilled into Manchester City means Leicester will have to be at their best to even score. Check out all the latest FA Cup free bet offers.

Manchester City: League Position: 2nd, League Form: LWWWD

Manchester City stifled any life out of their game at The Emirates on Wednesday and came away with a valuable point. It was the style you’d only find either in Italy or a team guided by an Italian. Job done was the conclusion of that match.

Away at Leicester things will be more difficult to predict, well in terms of the line up anyway. Don’t expect to see the likes of Silva, Yaya Toure, Balotelli or Tevez. Jo may be left to lead the line, especially as they look to get rid of Santa Cruz and Adebayor, who they won’t want cup tied.

Much depends on how important Mancini believes the FA Cup to be this year. The team are quite capable of winning the Europa League and still in the hunt for the Premier League title. Saying that even if he doesn’t focus on this competition, a weakened Man City are too good for Leicester.

Match Prediction: MANCHESTER CITY WIN – 1.7 William Hill – Get a £25 free bet here

Players with something to prove coming into the second half of the season should get their chance here against Leicester. City don’t have a game for a week and don’t need to rest all their players. Adam Johnson, Jo and Patrick Vieira are the types that come in when others need a break, and all are too good for the home side.

As such, it’s hard to look at this one as the shock the third round of the FA Cup always produces, especially with the closed, defensive system that suffocates the style of others. Not to suggest Leicester would come full of flair and panache, Vassell didn’t guarantee that in his prime, and he’s definitely clear of his prime.

Johnson will be the reason to watch this game. Exciting, skilful, direct and confident, he’s opened up better teams and will do the same here. Too easy for City.

Highlighted Bets:-

Over/Under: Over 2.5 Goals – 1.8 Paddy Power
First Goalscorer: Adam Johnson – 8.5 Bet365
Correct Score: 3-0 Man City Win – 13.00 Bet365

Match Odds:-

Leicester City – 5.5 Bet365
Draw – 4.00 Sky Bet
Manchester City – 1.7 William Hill

By Chris Wilkerson

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FA Cup betting – Leeds vs Arsenal

Leeds vs Arsenal betting preview

Leeds were left with a sour taste in their mouth after Cesc Fabregas’s 90th minute penalty earned the home side a replay in a game where for large spells of the game Leeds dominated. Leeds now hold the home advantage and will come fast out of the blocks in this game. After the last fixture was settled by two penalties, it seems only reasonable that there could be another in this fixture, the in-form Robert Snodgrass is Leeds’s normal penalty taker and is a good value at 17.0 on Bet365 to open the scoring, however if you have the faith that Arsenal’s keeper Wojciech Szczesny has the number of the Leeds man why not have a bet on that a penalty will be missed in the game with PaddyPower offering 7.0 for this eventuality. Click here to compare free bets.

Leeds will definitely be on a high after a thoroughly convincing performance against Scunthorpe this weekend, temperamental striker Max Gradel scored a good goal to cap an overall good performance and could cause the shaky Arsenal defence a few problems and is therefore worth a look in at odds of 5.0 on Coral to score at any time.

Arsenal

Arsene Wenger’s side have now suffered two cup embarrassments at the hands of Championship opposition in as many weeks. While Wenger holds out on Premier League title hopes, more realistically he wants silverware and the FA cup is as good as any and he will therefore most probably go with a stronger squad than the one used in these teams last encounter, most probably ditching his ineffective 4-4-2 and reverting to his tried and tested 4-5-1/4-2-3-1 that performed so well this weekend against an ailing West Ham.

Arsenal surely will utilise the now fully fit and back to form Robin Van Persie to terrorise the Leeds backline that played well last time out against the ineffective Maraune Chamakh and Nicklaus Bendtner. Van Persie has short odds of 5.75 on Victor Chandler of opening the scoring but after his show on Sunday at Upton Park it’s not hard to see why.

While Leeds can count themselves very unlucky in having a replay in the first place it looks unlikely that an upset will materialise here with Arsenal looking set to play a much stronger side including inspirational captain Cesc Fabregas and a Theo Walcott enjoying the best form of his Arsenal career. An Arsenal win seems the most likely result with them winning by a good margin, 3-0 was the score at the weekend and another 3-0 could be on the cards and has promising odds of 14.0 on UniBet.

Highlighted Bets

First Goalscorer Robert Snodgrass 17.0 Bet365
Penalty to be missed 7.0 Paddy Power
Anytime Goalscorer Max Gradel 4.5 Blue Square
First Goalscorer Robin Van Persie 5.75 Victor Chandler
Correct Score Arsenal 3-0 11.0 BetFred

By John Fernandez

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FA Cup betting tips 22/01/10

Stoke City vs Arsenal preview

With the FA cup swinging back into action this weekend, Sunday will see attention switch to the Britannia Stadium and the all Premier League tie between Stoke and Arsenal. An immediate reaction may be to write off Stoke in favour of league leaders Arsenal, and this is reflected in William Hill’s odds of 5/6 on the Gunners to progress. However, Arsene Wenger’s tendency to field his youngsters in the early stages of the cup may give Stoke a glimmer of hope, making them seem a fair bet at 10/3.

Given a boost by in form ‘keeper Thomas Sorensen’s pledge to remain at the club despite interest from Bayern Munich, Stoke can be buoyed by strong recent performances against Liverpool and Fulham. The fact that the potters hold the home advantage could be a pivotal factor, as seen when the two sides met last season; with Stoke running out 2-1 winners. On the score sheet that day was Ricardo Fuller, a man hoping to make an impression this time around. The Jamaican stands at 8/1 to be the first goal scorer on Sunday, though goal scoring defender Ryan Shawcross may be tempting to many at 20/1 given Arsenal’s vulnerability when defending set pieces. Semi Finalists in this competition over a decade ago, City will not have wanted such a tough draw in the pursuit to reward their faithful home fans with a trophy. Stoke’s home record speaks for itself though, and with a roaring home crowd and potentially dreary winter conditions, this may be the best chance for a mid-table Stoke side to overcome Arsenal’s cultured brilliance. Make sure you check out the free bets available for the FA Cup.

Wednesday’s impressive come back to beat Owen Coyle’s Bolton underlined just how good Arsenal have been this season. Averaging over two and a half goals each game in the Barclays Premier League, even despite the absence of the talismanic Robin van Persie, the Londoners have surprised many critics so far this campaign. Their potent strike force, along with Thomas Vermaelen’s addition to tighten up the defence, had lead to Arsenal being the team nobody wanted to face in the fourth round of this year’s competition. Captain Cesc Fabregas has been in scintillating form of late, netting fourteen goals in all competitions and playing a major part in a run of nine games unbeaten; their last loss coming in a meaningless Champions League match at Olympiakos early in December. The Spaniard is at 10/1 to score two goals or more, whilst headline maker Sol Campbell’s potential second debut for the club has him at 33/1 to score first.

Without a trophy since their last FA cup victory in 2005, Arsenal fans and players will be desperate to gain some silverware this season, and with Manchester United already falling to lower league opposition, this may be their best opportunity. Wenger’s young side could certainly do without a replay, making the draw, at 12/5, a prospect they could well do without. It will certainly be an intriguing encounter, and you can bet that Tony Pulis will do his upmost to see his club into the next round of the competition. The odds may favour Arsenal’s talented kids, but the magic of the cup never ceases to throw up an upset, and Stoke will be certain to give everything in search of a place in the fifth round draw.

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FA Cup Final Betting

Chelsea vs Portsmouth betting preview

Crowned the new Premier League Champions after a three year exile, now Chelsea are on the verge of creating club history; by completing a famous league and cup double. After securing the title with an emphatic 8-0 win over Wigan Athletic on Sunday, the Blues can scoop a second piece of silverware in as many weeks if they defeat relegated Portsmouth in the FA Cup Final. The Wembley showdown pairs the current FA Cup holders Chelsea, with 2006 winners Pompey but unsurprisingly the former are massive odds on favourites to lift the trophy again this year. Chelsea’s odds are trading from 1/10 to 1/7 but Paddy Power offer slightly better figures at 2/9, Pompey are listed at 12/1 and if extra time is required the draw pays out at 6/1 with Bet 365.

The West Londoners began the road to Wembley with a 5-0 thrashing of Championship side Watford and Preston soon followed suit but this time by a more respectable 2-0 score line at Deepdale. Another Championship outfit provided the opposition in the fifth round, when Cardiff City became the only team so far to breach the Chelsea rearguard but it wasn’t enough to prevent a 4-1 victory. Stoke City and Aston Villa both fell victim to Stamford Bridge defeats in the quarter and semi final stages respectively. One banner at Stamford Bridge on Sunday declared that Ancelotti was ‘more than special’ and while he might need to win the Champions League to prove that to himself, winning the FA Cup is another step in the right direction.

Porstmouth boss Avram Grant, who guided Chelsea to the Champions League final in 2008, praised his former club after clinching the title but the Israeli firmly believes cash-strapped Pompey’s journey to the FA Cup final should go down as the story of the season. The South coast club’s cup campaign began with a replay win over Coventry City in round three, they saw off Sunderland 2-1 at Fratton Park in the next before a fine 4-1 away win at local rivals Southampton. The quarter finals paired them with Birmingham who they accounted for 2-0, and this would prove to be the same score line in extra time victory over Tottenham in the semi final. But will the final be a test to far for Pompey?

Chelsea completed the double over Portsmouth in the Premier League this season, although it took a penalty ten minutes from time to secure a 2-1 success at Stamford Bridge in December. It was far more comfortable in the reverse fixture at Fratton Park in March, where they romped home 5-0 winners thanks to Florent Malouda and Didier Drogba braces. The latter is 5/2 favourite with Betfred to score first at Wembley and add to his 36 goals in all competitions this term. Frank Lampard became the first midfielder to score more than 20 goals this season and he looks a steady bet at 4/1 to score past England compatriot David James. Choose from over £500 in free bets from leading UK bookmakers.

It’s been a season of goals galore for Chelsea this season as they broke the one hundred barrier in the league beating Manchester United’s record in the process. The Blues finished the season with +71 goal difference and scored more than 7 goals in four league games this season. So expect a capacity Wembley crowd to witness goals on Sunday. Remarkably, Carlo’s men are as short as 9/2 to score over 4.5 goals while a repeat of the 8-0 thrashing of Wigan is as low as 50/1 with some bookmakers. While this seems very unlikely expect Chelsea to win by a convincing margin, take up the Chelsea to win to nil at a creditable 4/6 with Paddy Power. The Irish bookies will also refund all losing 1st/last goalscorer, correct score or scorecast singles on the match if Frank Lampard scores the last goal in 90 minutes, The England midfielder will be on penalty duties once again so this bet might prove popular.

Owners have come and gone, and while it has been a season of woes off and on the field the Pompey faithful will be hoping their players can upset the odds and pull off a great Wembley shock. Championship football may beckon but will they have the last laugh, surely not?

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FA Cup Betting Update

Despite being drawn against eachother, Chelsea and Liverpool lead the betting market for the FA Cup.

Jose Mourinho’s team are best price 11/10 to lift the trophy in the Millenium Stadium in May, where as Ladbrokes make the Blues an odds on chance! Liverpool are best price 2/1 with a host of bookmakers including Blue Square and Stan James.

Many may argue that 2/1 represents poor betting value about Liverpool as they have failed to overcome Chelsea on four occasions this season, including when they were on the wrong end of a 4-0 drubbing at Anfield.

The other FA Cup Semi-Final is West Ham against whoever wins the replay between Charlton and Middlesborough. West Ham are an 11/2 betting chance with Betfred and VC Bet. Many will consider these odds to be generous considering the great season the Hammers are having. The remaining two in the market are Middlesborough at best price odds 11/1 with Stan James, and outsiders Charlton available at 18/1 with Bet365.

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FA Cup betting – Everton vs Chelsea

Everton vs Chelsea betting preview

Everton     Form: WDLWDD     Position: 14th

Just one defeat in their last 9 league and cup games, has moved Everton up to 14th in the league and eased their relegation fears. While an easy 5-1 away victory at Scunthorpe in the last round helped the Toffees through to a tricky home tie against current holders Chelsea. Tim Cahill’s absence at the Asia Cup has forced David Moyes to push two strikers up front instead of his favoured 4-1-1, and Everton have definitely seen the benefits from a more attacking approach. Since the start of January, they’ve scored 6 goals in their last 3 league games and 5 against Scunthorpe in the FA Cup. Seamus Coleman has had a good season so far and scored 5 goals in all competitions, and the defender is a great price at 8/1 with Bet365 to score at any time. Tim Cahill will still miss the tie due to international duty but Everton have no other injury concerns or suspensions.

Chelsea     Form: LWDLWW     Position: 4th

It appears Chelsea have finally recovered from their slump in form, winning their last 3 games and scoring an impressive 13 goals without reply. It is also the first time they have won 3 in a row since their poor run began back in October. However their away record is certainly still worrying, before the win at Bolton, Chelsea had gone 6 away league games without a win. Manager Carlo Ancelotti may field a strong side in hope of winning the competition, after seeing his title defence falter somewhat over the last couple of months. Nicholas Anelka is the Blues top scorer this season with 13 goals in all competitions, and the Frenchman is a good bet at 6/1 with Bwin to open the scoring. Frank Lampard is a doubt for the lunchtime kick off and Yuri Zhirkov and Alex are still out.

Match Prediction Chelsea Win best priced at 11/10 with Betfred – Free £50 bet

Chelsea should go into this tie high on confidence after a good win last time out, but their away form has not been great in recent months. Equally, Everton’s home form has also been poor this season, winning just 3 of 11 games. The Toffees are also the draw specialists of the Premier League with 12 drawn matches from 23. With this in mind a 1-1 draw would not be surprising and the result is showing good odds of 6-1 at Skybet.

Highlighted Bets

S Coleman anytime goal scorer – 8/1 Bet365
1-1 Correct score – 6/1 Skybet
N Anelka first goal scorer – 6/1 VC Bet

By Sam Markham

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