FA Cup Preview 7th Jan

Bookmakers are split as to whom to make favourites for the FA Cup with some favouring Chelsea and others favouring Man City. Chelsea are as short as 4/1 in some places and a biggest 11/2 (Coral). Though away from home Rafa Benitez must be happy with the fourth round draw as they face either Southend or Brentford while both Manchester sides could face Premier League opposition.

Man City and Stoke were our two headline tips for the FA Cup before the third round though fate has put them together in the next round (should Stoke see off Palace). Liverpool are the only side to have won at Stoke this season with that result coming in the League Cup. City know they will have it tough and vary between 4/1 and 5/1 (BetVictor/Stan James).

A late Robin Van Persie goal kept Man United in the cup and if they see off West Ham in the next round then they face a potential all Premier League tie with Fulham (who themselves must see off Blackpool in a replay). The Red Devils are 11/2 (BetVictor/Coral). Arsenal who face a replay with Swansea after a 2-2 draw between the sides are 11/1 (general) for the Cup. The winners of that game face a tricky away tie with Brighton who saw off Newcastle in round three.

Tottenham last won the FA Cup in 1991 when they beat Nottingham Forest though AVB seems keen to win it this year naming a strong team in their victory over Coventry in round three. Spurs face an away visit to either Birmingham or Leeds next and can be backed at 9/1 (BetVictor).

Speaking of Nottingham Forest they suffered a shock third round exit to Oldham who have been rewarded with a home tie against Livepool who are 11/1 (ladbrokes/Coral) for the Cup.

One third round game still remains though and features another Merseyside side as Cheltenham take on Everton. Everton are the 4/11 (bet365/paddy Power) favourites for the game and have lost just one of their last eight away games in all competitions. Opponents Cheltenham sit fourth in League Two though have never beaten a top flight side in any of their three previous cup meetings and beaten a team from a higher just once in eight previous attempts. Those who think Cheltenham can get something out of this game can get 9/1 (BetVictor/Stan James/pinnacle) or the draw is available at 24/5 (pinnacle).

Nikica Jelavic is the 9/2 (betway) favourite to open the scoring while Marouane Fellaini is 5/1 (general) as is Kevin Miralles (general). Set-piece king Leighton Baines looks decent value at 12/1 (paddy Power/Coral/betway) to grab the opener or at 5/1 (Coral) in the anytime scorer market. Darren Carter has netted two in his last six for Cheltenham and the former Birmingham and West Brom midfielder has a great shot on him and looks great value at 12/1 (ladbrokes) in the anytime scorer market and 33/1 (ladbrokes) to grab the opener Everton games tend to feature goals with each of the last four going over 2.5 goals and bookmakers have the over 2.5 goals at 7/10 (Blue Sq/888 Sport/betway) and both teams to score which would have paid in an incredible last 17 of the games Everton have played in all competitions. Both teams to score is available here at better than evens and this looks a huge mistake so take advantage of the 11/10 (boylesports/betfred) are offering on both teams to score.

BEST OF THE BETS

GOLD: Both teams to score Cheltenham v Everton, 11/10 (boylesports/betfred)
SILVER: Leighton Baines to score, first (12/1-paddy Power/Coral/BetWay), anytime (5/1-Coral)
BRONZE: Darren Carter to score, first 33/1 (ladbrokes), anytime 12/1 (ladbrokes)

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07/01/2013     © Frixo 2024