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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