Football Betting & Online Betting News, Tips & Previews

 

Chelsea V Portsmouth

Saturday, 15th May – 15:00 (GMT)
LIVE on ITV1

 

Chelsea

 

It was only a few months ago that Carlo Ancelotti and Florent Malouda were joking about the Italian’s weight – all in good spirit of course, so it’s perhaps no surprise that Ancelotti is hungry… for Silverware of course. It was only a week ago, nearly to the day, when Chelsea clinched the Premier League crown with an emphatic 8-0 win at home to Wigan Athletic. Just six days later and they’re aiming to complete an historic double, thus becoming the first Chelsea team in their history to register a league and cup double should they beat Portsmouth at Wembley. 

Not only will Chelsea become double champions were they to beat relegated Portsmouth at Wembley, the Blues of London would become the first team since 2002 to successfully defend their FA Cup trophy, with Arsenal being the last team to do so. The irony back then was Arsenal’s first win as part of that back-to-back success was against Chelsea, while their second was against a far weaker opponent in Southampton. It’s virtually the same, if not better, scenario for Chelsea in that Everton were the team they reigned victorious over last year and a cash-strapped, injury ravaged and relegated Portsmouth are the only thing standing in their way of completing the defence of their title.

The Chelsea team will no doubt head to Wembley in high spirit after their 8-0 thrashing of Wigan Athletic last Sunday, thus becoming the first side since Tottenham Hotspur in the 60’s so surpass 100+ goals, although they are the very first to do so in the Premiership. It’s a tad strange because Carlo Ancelotti, while he’s always been a very good coach, has never been one to purposely build a formidable attacking unit, but with Chelsea everything seems to have slotted into place. On their day, and there have been more than enough of those ‘days’ to keep their fans happy this season, Chelsea are unstoppable, a genuine force to be reckoned with in the final third, and the scary thing is, should Chelsea click right from the off on Saturday, they could spark up another cricket scoreline. The neutrals won’t want to see such a sight in the final of the oldest and most prestigious domestic competition in the world, but it’s safe to say that with Portsmouth current predicaments and Chelsea’s striking prowess, a gigantic scoreline is a possibility. 

The biggest final win by any side was Bury beating Derby County 6-0 back in 1903. Chelsea have scored 7+ on four separate occasions this season, thus proving they are more than capable of setting further records on Saturday. However, that certainly won’t be the incentive thrown at the players from Carlo Ancelotti. He will give this spirited Portsmouth bunch the respect they deserve, he won’t allow his Chelsea players to show any signs of complacency because this is the FA Cup, a competition which has built a fearful reputation out of shocks. Were Chelsea to suffer a shock defeat on Saturday, it would arguably rate as the biggest upset in the competitions history. Carlos Ancelotti nor Chelsea as a club want that on their CV we can assure you. We expect professionalism from the start, the winning goals will come in due course.

 

 

Portsmouth

 

Portsmouth will put their money woes and the heartache of losing their Premiership to one side on Saturday, as the club unites for what looks likely to be their last glamour encounter for quite some time when they meet the newly crowned Premier League champions at Wembley. So, Chelsea await Avram Grant’s players in what will surely be a day to saviour regardless of the final score, and it could be a cricket score in fairness, but can the unthinkable really happen? Can small-time Pompey make it two FA Cup victories in as many years, completing what of the shock FA Cup wins in the process. 

If you cast your minds back to the 2004 FA Cup final, where Manchester United clashed with then Championship Millwall, it paints the very same ‘David versus Goliath’ picture, with Portsmouth severe cash-flow problems and lack of first team players surely being no match for the might of a Chelsea side which simply can’t stop scoring. Well, I’m sure we all remember the myth that David did beat Goliath, but we also remember Man Utd cruising past Millwall as well. But then again, this is the same Portsmouth side which defied the odds in the semi-final, a team which thrived on their underdog status to overcome a Tottenham Hotspur team which later went on to secure Champions League football.

Were Avram Grant to do a David Blaine and produced something ridiculously wonderful, it would rate right up their in terms of final shocks. In fact, you would be hard-pressed to find a final shocker which would beat the feat should Portsmouth spring the ultimate surprise. However, while we would love for this Pompey fairytale to have a ‘happy ever after’ finish to it, that just isn’t going to happen I’m afraid. Grant could have as many as thirteen players missing for the final showdown with Chelsea, while a number are set to make a brisk return just in time for Saturday’s show-piece event. Jamie O’Hara, who has been a revelation at Fratton Park, will go to the lengths of having a painkilling injection just to play a part, so it really is backs to the wall for Avram Grant, and that’s just with picking a starting eleven. 

The positive spin we could put on this is the valiant manner in which Portsmouth closed out what could be their final ever season in the top flight. Since the beginning of April Portsmouth have lost just two competitive games, all Premiership encounters. They were disappointingly beaten on the final day of the season however, Everton scoring the latest of goals to send Portsmouth to their 24th defeat of the campaign. However, once again, as on many occasions this season, Portsmouth played with a lot of spirit, and surprisingly with a lot of confidence. It’s the former though which has seen Pompey make the final of the FA Cup against all odds, and while they lose out in every sense of the word in the quality of player department, there’s no doubting Avram Grant’s men will be more than a match for Chelsea with their spirit, determination and enthusiasm.

 

 

Team News

As far as we’re aware, Carlo Ancelotti doesn’t have any fresh injuries woes other than John Obi Mikel is set to miss the final with a knee injury. Michael Ballack will drop into that holding role one would suspect. Michael Essien will obviously miss the final, as will Jose Boswinga. The only ‘maybe’ is whether Ricardo Carvalho will be fit in time, although the likelihood anyway is that John Terry will line up alongside Alex at centre-half.

It’s ridiculous just how many players will miss the final for Portsmouth through injury, while even we are unsure as to whether which players are no longer eligible to play due to their contract clauses. The latter we can do very little about, but Richard Hughes, Hreidarsson and Danny Webber are all definitely ruled out of Saturday’s final; while Tel Ben-Haim, Aruna Dindane, Aaron Mokoena, Jamie O’Hara, Ricardo Rocha, Wilson and Yebda are all either doubts, carrying knocks or will face late fitness tests.

 

 

Match Prediction: Chelsea to WIN – 1.20 Bet365

Believe us when we say this, we would LOVE Portsmouth to spring a surprise on Saturday by snatching the FA Cup from out of Chelsea’s grasp, but that’s exactly where the FA Cup is unfortunately, within touching distance for Chelsea. Without trying to set ourselves up for too high a fall, but the simple fact is, Chelsea need only yo turn up, put in a professional display and the FA Cup is theirs for the second year running. Of course, this Portsmouth team has shown bags of spirit and tenacity throughout the competition, their scalp of Tottenham Hotspur in the semi-final the evidence to back that up. However, Chelsea are no Tottenham, they rarely do inconsistent and they rarely do slip ups. With Carlo Ancelotti at the helm, there isn’t a chance in hell that Chelsea will fail to turn up on Saturday.

Unfortunately, we don’t see anything less than a Chelsea win. Another unfortunate coming, we don’t see anything other than a comfortable win for Chelsea. We only hope the scoreline doesn’t get ridiculous, that Portsmouth put in a dogged display and make as much of a match of this as they can, for as long as possible. However, in terms of picking a winner, there’s only one and it was very simple – Chelsea.

 

Match Odds:

Chelsea – 1.20 Bet365
Draw – 7.00 Boylesports
Portsmouth – 17.00 VCbet

 

SoccerBetting Value Tip: Frank Lampard FGS – 5.00 Bet365

Didier Drogba has scored in every FA Cup final he has played, two so far, but has never been the FGS. He scored in Extra-Time when Chelsea beat Man Utd in 2007, while he equalised against Everton in 2009. The Ivorian finished the Premier League with the Golden Boot after accumulating 29 goals for the season, but he’s far too short to be taking on. Instead, Frank Lampard, who scored seven more goals than any other Midfielder in the league (22), gets our nod to open the floodgates at Wembley. He scored the winner against Everton in last seasons final, we reckon Lamps will get the party started on Saturday, plus he takes penalties, as Drogba found out last weekend.

 

Tottenham Hotspur V Portsmouth

 

Sunday, 11^th April – 16:00

Venue: Wembley (London)

TV Coverage: ITV1

 

 

Tottenham Hotspur

 

Outright Odds: 2/1 WilliamHill

  

Tottenham fans are already dreaming of the final after their team was fortunate enough to land Portsmouth in the semi-finals. Nearly two decades have passed since Tottenham were last in an FA Cup final, way back in 1991. However, despite lacking any FA Cup involvement in a dry 20 year spell, Tottenham remain as one of the FA Cup’s most successful teams with 8 wins and 1 runners-up – More than both Liverpool & Chelsea. But with Tottenham becoming more consistent in the cups in recent seasons, are Spurs about to return to the glory days of old? Well, all that stands in their way of a tenth final is that of Portsmouth, a team they’ve already beaten twice this season, so surely they’ll fancy their chances of ending their baron run of nearly two years without an FA Cup final.

  

You know your lucks in when you draw Portsmouth, the weakest team left in the hat by quite some distance, in the semi-finals instead of either Aston Villa or Chelsea. Tottenham definitely got the rub of the green in regards to the draw but simply have to make that count on Sunday by avoiding any such upset, one which would rate right up their with the biggest in the cup’s long history considering Portsmouth’s speedy plight from the stars. What they are facing, though, is a team who won the competition just two years ago, with the current Spurs boss Harry Redknapp at the helm of Portsmouth that day. Some neutrals will says this tie was handmade by the footballing Gods so that Pompey could exact some revenge on a man which left them to sink, while we prefer to look at it as Tottenham boasting a manager with top notch FA Cup credentials. He knows exactly what it takes to land the FA Cup, only this time he has a far better squad to achieve it with.

  

Semi-final’s can often turn out to be tetchy affairs between two sides who won’t want to give their final place away but at the same time won’t take many risks in a bid to get there. That shouldn’t be the case with Tottenham’s involvement though as Spurs just don’t do dull football. Redknapp, who did inherit a gifted group of players it must be said, has got Tottenham playing some stunning football this season, with some of the speed they play at nowadays breathtaking. Spurs now have everything going for them; a Chairman willing to invest, a squad brimming with genuine Premiership quality in just about every department and a manger who the fans believe will take them to bigger and better things in years to come. Tottenham are well equipped, perhaps better than ever before, to be challenging for honours on a more consistent basis, and so, now there is no excuse for failure. This is especially the case for Sunday as Tottenham should comfortably see off their Southern opponents, Portsmouth.

  

A 3-1 defeat at Sunderland has spoilt Tottenham’s preparations ahead of this semi-final showdown with Portsmouth, but before that Tottenham had won five on the bounce, while just a fortnight ago they were beating Portsmouth 2-0 in the league so Spurs recently know what it takes to beat their semi-final opponents. It’s quite obvious that Tottenham are superior in most departments, especially in terms of their squad strength, but what Portsmouth lack in genuine player quality, they make up for in spirit and it was this characteristic which seen them battle their way past Birmingham City in the last round, against the odds it has to be said. The vulnerability surrounding Tottenham is that perhaps the players will feel a final is all but theirs, that it’s owed to them, and well, if they take that approach then they could be in for a nasty surprise. It’s certainly there for them however, they only need to apply themselves in a professional manner to size it.

 

 

 

Portsmouth

 

Outright Odds: 18/1 SportingBet

  

Whereas Tottenham fans are dreaming of their first FA Cup final since 1991, Pompey fans are reliving their sensational season of 2008 when they lifted the prestigious trophy aloft in a 1-0 win against West Bromwich Albion in the 2007-2008 final. It was of course when Harry Redknapp was in charge, at a time when fans adored the dopey looking Englishman, but now Portsmouth fans join together in a cult like fashion to show their hatred towards the man they believe is a traitor, and will be hoping the players back them up on Sunday by sending his new club, Tottenham, packing. That does look an unlikely scenario, though, considering Portsmouth’s dire situation at present; severely in debt, a squad depleted through injury and a team lacking in any sort of confidence boosting form.

  

To say Portsmouth need to defy adversity to make the final would be an understatement of the highest proportion considering what the club has been through since the beginning of the season in what can only be described as a turbulent season for everyone involved with the club. Despite selling a whole host of players within the space of about a year, some of which went for huge sums, Portsmouth are a club with mounting debts and have had to sell the majority of their remaining half decent players and replace them cheaper alternatives, players which, without trying to be too disrespectful, would probably struggle to make a Championship side let alone a Premiership outfit. However, where as some teams would curl into a ball and raise the white flag for all to see, Portsmouth have come out fighting and have earned many a plaudit for their valiant actions. This perhaps hasn’t been the case in the Premier League (20^th and a game or two away from relegation) but it has been evident in this competition, the FA Cup, having to put in some gutsy displays just to get this far.

  

Portsmouth may not have beaten some of England’s finest to get here, but they have had to fight tooth and nail for each progression and have often been forced to play an extra game just to show their FA Cup worth. This fortunately wasn’t the case in the last round as they despatched of Birmingham City at Fratton Park 2-0. The fans were brilliant that day as they got right behind their team despite all their well publicised off-pitch issues. However, while their fans will try to make for an incredible atmosphere on Sunday, quite whether that support will be enough to bridge the big gulf in class between the two sides remains to be seen. Portsmouth have lost twice to Tottenham already this season, while only two weeks ago they lost 2-0 at White Hart Lane, so the task does look ominous. Perhaps even more so when you consider that Portsmouth’s only wins in 2010, outside of the FA Cup, are against two teams sharing the relegation zone with them in Hull City and Burnley.

  

There’s only two factors which make Fulham an appealing bet; the first being their underdog status, mainly because they don’t have anything considered to be ‘World-Class’ in their squad, while the second is the rousing support they’ll get from their travelling fans on Sunday at what should be a euphoric Wembley. However, if you want to be realistic, we don’t see Portsmouth bridging the gap and causing what would be one of the competitions biggest shock in it’s history, and there has been several worthy contenders for that honour already this season. They haven’t even looked like winning a game against a classy opponent in 2010 and have instead rolled over in most fixtures. Of course, the FA Cup has been their priority ever since they went into administration, but the players would need to lift their game several levels in order to even get on par with the Tottenham players. We will certainly be cheering Portsmouth on this Sunday, although we aren’t optimistic about their chances.

 

 

 

How they got here:

 

Third Round: Tottenham Hotspur 4-0 Peterborough United

Fourth Round: Tottenham Hotspur 2-2 Leeds United

Fourth Round Replay: Leeds United 1-3 Tottenham Hotspur

Fifth Round: Bolton Wanderers 1-1 Tottenham Hotspur

Fifth Round Replay: Tottenham Hotspur 4-0 Bolton Wanderers

Quarter-Final: Fulham 0-0 Tottenham Hotspur

Quarter-Final Replay: Tottenham Hotspur 3-1 Fulham

 

Third Round: Portsmouth 1-1 Coventry City

Third Round Replay: Coventry City 1-2 Portsmouth (AET)

Fourth Round: Portsmouth 2-1 Sunderland

Fifth Round: Southampton 1-4 Portsmouth

Quarter-Final: Portsmouth 2-0 Birmingham City

 

 

 

Injuries & Suspensions

 

Tottenham Hotspur: Carlo Cudicni, Johnathan Woodgate, Aaron Lennon (Tottenham have a long list of possible doubts; Vedran Corluka, Michael Dawson, Tom Huddlestone and Jermaine Jenas)

 

Portsmouth: Hermann Hreidarsson, Tel Ben-Haim, Danny Webber, Hassan Yebda (Nadir Belhadj, Papa Diop and Kevin-Prince Boateng are all doubts)

 

 

 

 

 

Match Verdict: Tottenham Hotspur to WIN – 1.33 bWin

  

We would love to see a shock, mainly because we’re a big follower of whoever is the underdog, but from a betting perspective, Tottenham look the only likely winner in this contest.

  

Lets face it, it’s a Premiership club, one vying for a top four finish, against what is in theory a Championship club in Portsmouth. In fact, Portsmouth, even with their current crop of players now, would struggle to win games in the league below whereas Tottenham have been beating Premiership opposition all season. Spurs are generally very consistent, especially this season and especially in the cups. They have tended to start sluggishly though in some of their earlier rounds, going behind against Bolton Wanderers and Fulham before eventually going through, and that will be cause for optimism around the Portsmouth as should they somehow sneak into an early lead, with a battling performance at the back, Portsmouth could land a shock semi-final victory. It’s a big ask but at least it’s something the travelling Portsmouth fans can cling onto.

  

Our prediction though is a Tottenham Hotspur win. There is just too much class within the Tottenham squad to oppose them against what is a mediocre Portsmouth team, made even more so by injuries to key players. Spurs have pace down the flanks to expose Pompey’s full-backs, the composure and creative sparks in midfield to open up the Portsmouth defence and four strikes, of which any could start on Sunday and all would scare the living daylights out of the Portsmouth defence. Whether it’s the pace of Defoe or the aerial prowess of Peter Crouch, Tottenham just seem to have far too much fire-power for a blunt Portsmouth. It should be easy peezy!

 

 

 

Match Odds:

 

Tottenham Hotspur – 1.33 bWin

Draw – 5.00 BetFred

Portsmouth – 11.00 Boylesports

 

 

 

SoccerBetting Value Tip: Tottenham Hotspur to Score in Both Halves – 1.91 PaddyPower

 

Aston Villa V Chelsea

 

Saturday, 10^th April – 17:00

Venue: Wembley (London)

TV Coverage: ITV1

 

 

Aston Villa

 

Outright Odds: 5/1 Boylesports

  

Will it be a dose of Deja-Vu for Villa fans as they make their second visit to Wembley stadium this season. Their last visit to Wembley was for a Carling Cup final in what was being described as the clubs biggest game for decades. It ended in heartache though as their dreams of silverware were dashed by the country’s most prolific forward, Wayne Rooney. Now Villa go in search of another Wembley final date but must get past the competition favourites first if they are to make history by qualifying for their first FA Cup final since 2000 when ironically they lost 1-0 to Chelsea.

  

Our claims for a Deja-Vu like scenario just keep getting stronger by the minute but records, statistics etc. are there to be broken and that’s Villa’s incentives as fans get excited about Sunday’s Semi-Final encounter with Chelsea. However, fans would be forgiven for feeling slightly pessimistic. After all, it was only a fortnight ago that Villa were getting spanked by Chelsea 7-1 in the Premier League, so they have their work cut out tor reverse the form it would seem. Martin O’Neill did, however, guide Villa to victory against the Blues in the home encounter in the league though, winning 2-1 at Villa Park, although that did occur several months ago, six in fact, so quite whether that rare winning result for Villa will have any baring on this game is debatable. 

 

Villa do at least have some winning momentum behind them, or at least the feeling of winning. Aston Villa warmed up for their FA Cup semi-final showdown with a hard fought win away at Bolton last weekend winning 1-0. Ashley Young was Villa’s match winner that day with a sublime curling effort, and it’s these types of players which Villa fans need a big performance from on Saturday if they are to stand any chance of causing an upset. Martin O’Neill knows full well that his teams does consist of players boasting bags of creativity, flair and charisma, while there are several which could be classed as potential ‘Match Winners’. Ashley Young demonstrated just a week ago that he can win a game with one gifted strike of his right foot, while James Milner and Stewart Downing also have the ability to turn any game on it’s head.

  

The problem we can instantly recognise with an Aston Villa bet is whether the players, through lack of experience, crumble under the pressure. This was certainly the case in the Carling Cup final as Villa’s sensational start to proceedings just steamrollered downhill. It’s a situation where if you don’t have a wise head on your shoulders, you could be over oared by the exhilarating atmosphere and expectant pressure from your own fans. Villa were victim to all of these factors in their earlier Wembley appearance, but will that bitter final defeat prove a vital lesson as they bid to knock Chelsea, the reigning FA Cup champions, off their FA Cup perch.

 

 

 

Chelsea

 

Outright Odds: 11/10 (2.10) SkyBet

  

Carlo Ancelotti has barely been at the club for a full season and yet he’s preparing a squad of world class players for an FA Cup semi-final, and with the quality of teams left in the hat, the former AC Milan gaffer will fancy his chances of landing some silverware in just his maiden season in English football. First, though, he will need to guide Chelsea past a dangerous Aston Villa, but their opponents are a team they recently smashed 7-1 in the Premier League, so Chelsea’s chances of progressing to their third FA Cup final in four years look stronger than ever. 

 

Chelsea destroyed Aston Villa two weeks ago at Stamford Bridge, tearing through the Villa defence with ease and with aplomb. Frank Lampard scored four times in that game, while it was Lampard who scored Chelsea’s winner at Wembley in last seasons FA Cup final with Everton, so Chelsea have a player with serious Wembley history, as well as a squad jam packed with international players, world class stars and players with a winning mentality. It would be a shock in itself should Chelsea fall at this semi-final hurdle but the omens are good as Chelsea have won their previous two semi-final appearances, beating one of the very best to make the final last season, beating Arsenal 2-1, while they beat Blackburn Rovers 2-1 in 2007.

  

Carlo Ancelotti will also be pleased that he has now fresh injuries to deal with, with the exception being Ivanovic in defence. He will take a team to Wembley that won’t only be fresh and raring to go but one with tonnes of winning momentum behind them. Chelsea have won their previous three games in the Premiership, boosting both their squad confidence and claims for a semi-final victory, while last week they were victorious in the clash some were claiming as the ‘title decider’. Chelsea edged out Manchester United in a scrappy Old Trafford 2-1. A result which leaves Chelsea top of the Premier League, in pole position to land the league title and just as a matter of a few games away from a cup double.

  

Whereas there are some reservations about an Aston Villa bet, there are none surrounding Chelsea. They have only a select few missing, they are enjoying a rich vein of form and remain one of those teams which just don’t seem to falter on the big stage and in those nerve-biting occasions. When the pressure is on, and Chelsea have their big names to call upon, the Blues generally raise their game and are expected to do so once again on Saturday just like they did a week ago at Old Trafford. They’re defending well of late and have been ruthless in front of goal. We’re struggling to find a reason why Chelsea should be opposed, which basically means Chelsea should be a good thing at what is still fairly generous odds of 1.62 with SkyBet.

 

 

 

How they got here:

 

Third Round: Aston Villa 3-1 Blackburn Rovers

Fourth Round: Aston Villa 3-2 Brighton & Hove Albion

Fifth Round: Crystal Palace 2-2 Aston Villa

Fifth Round Replay: Aston Villa 3-1 Crystal Palace

Quarter-Final: Reading 2-4 Aston Villa

 

 

Third Round: Chelsea 5-0 Watford

Fourth Round: Preston North End 0-2 Chelsea

Fifth Round: Chelsea 4-1 Cardiff City

Quarter-Final: Chelsea 2-0 Stoke City

 

 

 

Injuries & Suspensions:

 

Aston Villa: Wilfred Bouma (Nigel Reo-Coker is a doubt)

 

Chelsea: Jose Bosingwa, Ashley Cole, Ricardo Carvalho, Michael Essien, Hilario (Branisalv Ivanovic is a doubt)

 

  

 

Match Verdict: Chelsea to WIN – 1.62 SkyBet

  

While Villa have shown enough character in some of their clashes against the ‘Big Four’ this season, beating Chelsea, Man Utd and Liverpool this season, they’re still lacking some tenacity, some fighting spirt, the sort of spirit you need when the cards go against you and you need some wise heads to stand up and be counted. Granted Villa have some quality players, those which can grab you a gaol from nothing, nut I’ve yet to see Villa pull their socks up and come from behind against one of the ‘Big Four’ and that’s cause for concern in a game where they’re likely to go behind at some stage.

  

Chelsea have been irresistible of late, unstoppable in the eyes of some, so it’s difficult to see them coming a cropper at Wembley. When they sniff out silverware they seek it out in a relentless fashion. Carlo Ancelotti and his players can sniff both the FA Cup and the Premier League and will be motivated to land both. Ancelotti has the players to call upon for the big occasions, the likes of Drogba, Lampard, even Malouda and Anelka these days, so it’s just too damn hard to turn our backs on them. Chelsea annihilated Aston Villa a fortnight ago in a Premiership fixture winning 7-1, and while we don’t think they’ll replicate that scoreline, we do think they’ll win this first semi-final pretty comfortably.

  

 

Match Odds:

 

Aston Villa – 6.30 bWin

Draw – 4.00 Boylesports

Chelsea – 1.62 SkyBet

 

 

 

SoccerBetting Value Tip: Chelsea to Score 3 or More Goals – 3.00 PaddyPower

 

 

FA Cup: Quarter-Final

 

 

Chelsea V Stoke City

 

Kick-Off: Sunday, 7^th March – 16:00 GMT

TV Coverage: ITV1

 

 

Chelsea

 

FA Cup Odds: 11/10 General (Bet365, SkyBet, Boylesports…)

 

Losing your unbeaten home status, losing your cool, losing the plot – Where do we even start with Chelsea. After getting all the big boys out of the way at Stamford Bridge, Chelsea appeared destined to go the entire length of the season without losing a fixture at home. That was until Manchester City paid them a visit at the weekend and emphatically destroyed Chelsea’s thirteen match streak without losing at The Bridge. It now begs the question as to how, even if, Chelsea respond in their very next competitive fixture which just so happens to be at Stamford Bridge, although, against an awkward Stoke City.

  

Chelsea should make an almost instant return to winning ways on Sunday by fending off the robust challenge of Stoke City in the FA Cup, but their recent displays have left a lot to be believed, and, for the first time in a long while, Chelsea might actually be a precarious bet even in a home fixture. Their opponents may just be Stoke City, a so called typical ‘Route 1′ kind of side, but The Potters have made a nuisance of themselves since joining the Premiership ranks last season and pushed Chelsea all the way in the reverse meeting back at The Brittania Stadium with Chelsea needing a 96^th minute Malouda strike to seal all three points.  

 

If we are to remain completely unbiased and honest, Chelsea should still have far too much for the likes of Stoke City, whom will be reeling after the weekend’s events. However, Carlo Ancelotti does have an healing act on his hands as their capitulation at home to Man City over the weekend was something out of the pictures, a sight you don’t see too often, or never in Chelsea’s recent era. Frank Lampard got proceedings off to a flyer when swinging a swift right foot to slide the ball across Shay Given’s path in a first half that Chelsea not only dominated entirely but should have had more than just the one goal to show for their efforts. This was arguably the roots of their downfall as a costly mistake at the other end of the field just before the break, by a clearly shaken John Terry, led to Carlos Tevez scrambling home an equaliser.  

 

Chelsea never really recovered from that error and it was mistakes galore from there on out, with Beletti seeing red whilst conceding a game changing penalty, whilst Michael Ballack was sent off for a rash challenge, with his frustrated attempt at a challenge indicative of how the rest of the team were feeling on what was a fay to remember for the blues. Lampard did score his second from the spot late on but that game is now in the past and Chelsea must somehow put their abysmal result to one side and concentrate on a game just as important, if not more so than their last.

  

Hilario will continue in goal, which won’t fill Chelsea fans nor punters with any great deal of confidence after his pathetic showing on Saturday, while Juliano Beletti and Michael Ballack will both miss this Quarter-Final showdown through suspension, leaving Ancelotti with a selection headache.

 

 

Stoke City

 

FA Cup Odds: 25/1 Coral

  

It was a weekend to forget for Tony Pulis and his Stoke team, much like their FA Cup opponents, although for completely different circumstances. In what is a results business, it wasn’t the defeat that caught the attention of most Stoke fans on Saturday when losing 3-1 to Arsenal, no, but more about the unfortunate going-on’s during the game which seen Ryan Shawcross sent off for a clumsy tackle which was a product of a compound fracture for poor old Aaron Ramsay. Emotions were running high, with Shawcross himself leaving the pitch in tears, and with the players clearly being shaken mentally after that incident, it’s now Tony Pulis’ job to get his Stoke squad back on track and back in the right mindset in time for this trip to the capital. 

 

We don’t want to delve too much into Saturday’s commotion as we could go on forever, however, we will concentrate more on the end result and one which will have a huge impact on the confidence of the players as the 3-1 defeat at home to Arsenal was a momentum killing one. Stoke were previously on an unbeaten run of seven games in the league, accompanied by a string of mesmerizing displays in the FA Cup which has aided them in a Quarter-Final appearance against the current holders of the trophy. Those two injury time goals has stopped Stoke firmly in their tracks, perhaps even derailed them considering the manner in which they lost, and much like their opponents it will be interesting to see just how the respond on Sunday.

  

The obvious factor to point out is that influential defender Ryan Shawcross will miss the trip to Chelsea through suspension, although that will go without saying to some degree. However, the good news is that Matthew Etherington, one of the players of the season at Stoke in our eyes, could return from a knee injury to possibly expose what is a weakened Chelsea side in defence, especially in the full-back areas. He is still a doubt, but should he feature then Stoke’s chance of success would greatly increase as he would amply supply their strong forwards.

  

However, it’s the forwards which concern us the most, even more so should Etherington not feature as Stoke have been useless in front of goal on their travels this season. While Stoke did earn a well deserving draw in the last round at Man City, scoring one goal via Ricardo Fuller, Stoke have managed just seven goals away from home back in the Premiership, failing to score in over half of their away outings (6/13). However, their luck in front of the sticks has improved in recent outings, not only finding a way past Shay Given in the last round at The City of Manchester stadium but also locating the goal in their previous two league outings away at Wigan Athletic & Portsmouth, although, we expect you’ve quickly acknowledge that both their opponents are in lousy form and near the foot of the table so perhaps their recent goalscoring trend is of little use to us and a tad deceiving.

 

 

 

Match Verdict: Chelsea to WIN – 1.30 SkyBet

 

While Stoke will look to defend in numbers, using their physical attributes; their hunger, aggressive manner and resilience to their advantage, they lack the quality up front, that cutting edge to really cause Chelsea any problems. It would take some performance, and then some, were Stoke to be the second team this season to beat Chelsea at Stamford Bridge. It’s something the bookies haven’t comprehended and it’s an outcome that doesn’t even feature in our equations. Chelsea should be far too strong in attack and, providing they take one of a predicted haul of chances, should safely bypass this Stoke City physical.

 

 

Match Odds:

 

Chelsea – 1.30 SkyBet

Draw – 6.00 BlueSquare

Stoke City – 11.00 SportingBet

 

 

FA Cup: Quarter-Final

 

 

Reading V Aston Villa

 

Kick-Off: Sunday, 7^th March – 13:45 GMT

TV Coverage: ITV1

 

 

Reading

 

FA Cup Odds: 50/1 Coral

 

The competitions giant-killers, Reading, try their hand at some more brutality when they attempt to overhaul an Aston Villa side which will be reeling after their Carling Cup final defeat a week to the day ago. While the Reading players and staff will show plenty of respect for their more glamorous opponents, there will be no sympathy shown towards their Quarter-Final rivals as Reading look to compound Villa’s misery by sending the Premiership to their second cup defeat in quick succession. 

 

Liverpool, Burnley and West Brom have all faltered against Reading, so is it now the turn of Aston Villa to face the wrath of the Madjeski club. It’s been a venue where Reading have yet to lose a game at in the FA Cup this season, which is a given as they’re still standing, but it’s also a place where the players haven’t exactly been convincing, although that has changed in recent weeks. Before February Reading had managed just one league win since the turn of the new year and had managed just one measly home victory. However, their breathtaking run in the FA Cup has led to the rebirth of the club, and the Madjeski, as Reading have now gone three games unbeaten at home in The Championship, with all three being wins. 

 

Their home form has completely turned around and it’s largely been down to this morale booming run in this competition as it’s lifted the confidence levels of the players. Not only have they won three on the spin at The Madjeski whilst in league action but they’ve also remained unbeaten in three tough home outings in this tournament, drawing with both Liverpool (1-1) and West Brom (2-2) whilst beating Burnley 1-0 in between. Moreover, goals are beginning to arrive thick and fast and their latest showing, a 5-0 romp at home to Sheffield Wednesday, will have done the team the world of good as their momentum keeps on building in what is a crucial part of the season; both in regards to The Champions and survival and the FA Cup. 

 

While avoiding relegation back in The Championship is the clubs main priority, securing a berth into the Semi’s wouldn’t be too far behind, but this does look a mammoth task. Their form is ideal though, while they are finding their way in front of goal, so perhaps Reading’s run in the FA Cup isn’t quite over just yet, although another huge performance must come out of the hat in order to survive their latest Premiership examination.

 

 

Aston Villa

 

FA Cup Odds: 9/2 bWin

 

There is no doubting Martin O’Neill has the talent at his disposal to overpower Reading, a Championship outfit, but the question is just how much that defeat in the Carling Cup final took out of his players in what was a draining affair, both physically and mentally. The best tonic after a cruchsing defeat such as the one they suffered on Sunday is to win your very next outing, but their very next fixture is one of just as much importance, so will this young crop of potential stars have the mental strength to overcome their latest setback, or will their woes stretch further than just a Carling Cup heartache?

 

While the Villa team is still fairly young, at least in comparison to most side currently in the Premier League, they have matured greatly over the years and should have the strength of mind to put their defeat in the Carling Cup behind them and concentrate on the next task at hand as the Carling Cup was still way down on their list of objectives for the season. Finishing in the top four will be their priority now and they are in a prominent position to at least mount a serious challenge, while the FA Cup won’t be too far behind. Both are and were way above winning the Carling Cup so Villa need to do a quick assessment of what is still a prosperous season still to play.

 

Martin O’Neill was bitterly disappointed with some of the going-on’s on Sunday, but we won’t delve into all that. Instead, though, we would like to praise the blistering pace Villa came out of the blocks at, sprinting into a 1-0 lead via a James Milner penalty. However, a lack of final experience perhaps led to Richard Dunne gifting United an equaliser and Villa’s early dominance seemed a thing of the past as while the team in purple did look dangerous when striding forward, they imposing themselves enough in the midfield and were evidentially overran in the middle of the park. Villa remained a constant threat on the counter but it’s a dangerous game relying purely on counter-attacks for goals, and where they allowed United to dictate the majority of the play from midfield was scary, and a reality check that Villa still haven’t matured enough for us.

 

However, Reading and Manchester United are a different kettle of fish, and much like Horse Racing where a Horse appreciates the step down in class, so should Aston Villa on Sunday. After a gruelling day out at Wembley on Sunday, Villa can now try their luck against an inferior opponent to their last in Championship side Reading, where Villa could face their demons with victory at The Madjeski as the Semi-Finals will be played at Wembley. We have no qualms about the quality at the club and that should they apply themselves in the proper manner, they should progress past this ‘awkward’ Reading tester. However, the questions remain over whether the Villa players, much of whom are still fairly young in their careers, can overcome their final heartache just a week ago. Should they do so their victory should be theirs.

 

 

 

Match Verdict: Aston Villa to WIN – 1.85 bWin

 

Martin O’Neill boast far too much quality over his opposite number to even consider a lay of Aston Villa. This Reading defence has been unconvincing all season and will be found wanting against the pace and trickery of some of Villa’s young starlets; James Milner, Stewart Downing and Ashley Young, while the physical presence of John Carew and Gabriel Agbonlahor in the box should be too much for the Reading defence to keep on top of. For us, Reading would need to land the first blow in order to make this interesting. If Villa make a speedy start like they did at Carling Cup, there should be no looking back barring any mistakes. A back of Reading looks speculative, while Aston Villa look a far safer punt.

 

 

Our Bet: Over 3.5 Goals – 3.75 Boylesports

 

Reading were emphatic in their last home outing, smashing five past Sheffield Wednesday, while Aston Villa have an array of striking talent that it’s hard to see this tie not producing a few goals. We were tempted to back Villa to score 4 or more but opted instead for an all round total of 4 Goals or More as Reading, with the aid of a capacity home crowd, could quite easily get on the score sheet while Aston Villa should find scoring a breeze after watching some of Reading’s defensive displays this season. The Reading defence won’t like the pace Villa have to offer and we would genuinely be shocked if Villa didn’t stick a good few past Federici in the Reading goal.

 

 

Match Odds:

 

Reading – 4.30 PaddyPower

Draw – 3.60 BlueSquare

Aston Villa – 1.85 bWin

 

 

FA Cup: Quarter-Final

 

 

Fulham V Tottenham Hotspur

 

Kick-Off: Saturday, 6^th March – 17:15 GMT

TV Coverage: ITV1

 

 

Fulham

 

FA Cup Odds: 14/1 Ladbrokes

  

Roy Hodgeson was said to have been chuffed to bits, well in as many words, with Fulham’s draw at Sunderland on Sunday after an enthralling week and an arduous month of February. Not only was Sunday’s trip to Sunderland a mere 72 hours after their gruelling and lengthy trip the Ukraine after beating Shakhtar Donestk in the Europa League but it was also their eighth fixture within a month, so to go up North to Tyneside and get anything from the game was an amazing achievement for what is still a small time Premiership club.

  

We mean to disrespect to anyone at the club when we claim Fulham are a small club as that is our honest view on the London side in comparison to what is a league growing in stature. Their squad is tiny compared to others, while their budget is nothing in comparison to the majority in the league, even those below them in the table which just goes to show either how far Fulham have come or that the Cottagers are punching well above their weight. We’d be more inclined to think the first as Fulham, under the wise know-how of a managerial great in Roy Hodgeson, have proven a tough cookie in recent season and are no longer a relegation threatened club. They are instead far more reliable in that their performances are more consistent and their end-of-season finishes are now more respectable.

  

The problem for Fulham, and it’s been an ever present one from the day they first joined the Premiership, is that their form on the road isn’t up to the standard required. In the early days, several years back now, Fulham were scraping through seasons by the skin of their teeth because of their superb home form. Years down the line and their home form is even better, leading to more potential honours and better player form. However, their away form is still as bad as ever so these home games are crucial in building up confidence ahead of tricky away fixtures, and with Fulham out on the road once again after this FA Cup affair, winning on Saturday is so important in building up ahead of steam, especially as their very next league fixture is away at Old Trafford against the Carling Cup winners, Manchester United.

  

I was astounded when I heard Fulham had played more competitive games thus far than the likes of the ‘Big Four’ which just highlights the fantastic job Roy Hodgeson and his team have done this season, as well as the tremendous form and fitness levels of the Fulham squad. However, while it will be nearly a week since they last played, you would have to feel this long, endurance testing season will take affect soon enough and an encounter with a pacey and exuberant Tottenham Hotspur side isn’t ideal. However, they’re fortunate enough in that they were drawn at home at Craven Cottage, a venue they’ve lost just three times at all season, so can a capacity crowd at the Cottagers push their side, whom have lost just one of their last eleven home games against Premiership opposition; including a 0-0 draw with Spurs, onto victory, one that would be rewarded with a Semi-Final date with Wembley.

 

 

Tottenham Hotspur

 

FA Cup Odds: 5/1 BetFred

  

The strength in depth at Tottenham makes the club almost perfect for cup competition, and they’ve been proving that this season with a decent little run in the Carling Cup and this run in the FA Cup, one which is in jeopardy against a home orientated Fulham. However, unlike their London adversary’s, Tottenham do boast a win in their last game, one which could spark Spurs onto a memorable win at Craven Cottage, and it will need to be memorable if they are to overcome The Cottagers on their own patch.

  

Harry Redknapp was found bemoaning his teams injury problems after Tottenham’s hard-fought victory over Everton at the weekend; winning 2-1. It was actually a reality check for us in that even we have forgotten just how flooded the Tottenham physio room must be at the present time. While only a handful are certain to miss Saturday’s trip across London; Johnathan Woodgate, Ledley King, Carlo Cudicini, Redknapp has doubts over as many as nine first team players. David Bentley, Aaron Lennon and now Tom Huddlestone are all serious doubts for Saturday’s crunch fixtures, while Jermaine Jenas is a definite no-no. That injury room of theirs must be cluttered, and while they’re enjoying a bit of luck on the field, they could do with plenty more off it. 

 

In Tottenham’s last competitive outing, it was a tale of two halves as Tottenham dominated the opening 45 minutes with Everton, scoring two first half goals through a resurgent Pavlychenko and Luka Modric in what should have been far more for the home side. However, Tottenham clearly underestimated their opponents and their arrogance so nearly got the better of them as they fell asleep during the second half and could count themselves very lucky to have walked away from White Hart Lane with all the spoils after the visitors missed a host of chances. Spurs are due their bit of good luck, that little rub of the green, but they can ill-afford to think the football Gods will shine down on them forever as a similarly lacklustre effort at Craven Cottage this weekend would almost certainly see them punished.

  

Tottenham are a team full of confidence, however, and were they to emulate their first half performance against Everton, then they should go close. However, their second half no-show was a huge concern and it does cast awful memories of their shocking start to the game at Bolton in the previous round, with their sluggish start almost costing them dear. They did get away with it but they won’t against a clinical Fulham, so it’s imperative Harry Redknapp gets his starting eleven fired up for this clash right from the off. It’s a tough game for Spurs but it’s a draw they will certainly fancy themselves to get through providing they approach it in the right manner, with a professional attitude.

 

 

 

Match Verdict: Draw – 3.40 SkyBet

 

This was probably the hardest of the four ties to weight up in that Fulham are tremendously strong at Craven Cottage while we don’t see Tottenham going out just yet. The only remaining outcome is a draw with Tottenham completing the job back at White Hart Lane in a replay. That doesn’t look a too bad punt in all fairness considering Tottenham have progressed via replays in the previous two rounds. Fulham, however, have had by far and away the easiest run of all the teams still standing, with Spurs being their first Premiership opposition of the competition thus far. Will Fulham crumble against their first real test of the tournament to date or will they leave to fight another day; by that of a win or a draw.

 

 

 

Match Odds:

 

Fulham – 3.00 SkyBet

Draw – 3.40 SkyBet

Tottenham Hotspur – 2.40 PaddyPower

 

 

FA Cup: Quarter-Final

 

 

Portsmouth V Birmingham City

 

Kick-Off: Saturday, 6^th March – 12:30 GMT

TV Coverage: ITV1

 

 

Portsmouth

 

FA Cup Odds: 20/1 Bet365

 

The inevitable took place last Friday as Portsmouth FC entered into administration becoming the very first Premiership club to ever do so. It was a miserable day for Portsmouth fans but it was also a low-point for English football as yet another one of England’s old-timers begins its predicted slumber down the leagues. However, while the Pompey players could be forgiven for feeling a tad sorry for themselves they instead went and put a valiant shift in up at Turf Moor, with a 2-1 victory being their just rewards for a spirited performance after a miserable week and year for the club.

 

The FA will soon dock Portsmouth nine points for entering into administration and that would leave the club almost certain to suffer relegation, if that wasn’t the expected destination for Pompey anyway. At the time this preview was written (Monday, 29^th Feb) Portsmouth were still rock-bottom of the Premier League but a more reasonable five points off safety. With the point penalty, however, Portsmouth are expected to fall a further nine points off safety, leaving the club need to claw back a fourteen point deficit just to stay in the Premiership. While there maybe still thirty-three points still up for grabs, Portsmouth’s death looks assured as they’ve not shown anywhere near enough form to suggest they will win the vast majority of their remaining fixtures in order to stay up – So prepare to wave goodbye to a rare South Coast Premiership side.

 

As far as betting on them in Saturday’s affair, it’s hard to weigh up their chances especially after their weekend heroics at Burnley. Many, including us, thought administration was the nail in the coffin and that the players would now lose all their remaining spirit and belief and simply roll over. They proved us and everyone else wrong with a whole-hearted display away at Burnley, what was just their second away win of the season. More importantly, however, that shock victory ended their baron run of eight league games without a win but they do return back to a venue where they’ve not enjoyed that winning feeling in either of their previous games at Fratton Park.

 

The South Coast has been the setting for better tidings though, with three of their fives league wins coming down at Fratton Park and Portsmouth losing two less games their. It’s nothing to write home about but it’s these small positives that will keep the fans flickering flames alive… just. The problem being, though, is that Portsmouth have managed just two draws in their last four at home, with the other two ending in disappointing defeats. However, Avram Grant will feel his sides have much more of a chance of picking up points at a venue where the players have clearly found more settling, with sixteen of their twenty-three league games coming in home fixtures. That’s a big difference and it’s also worth pointing out that Portsmouth have scored in each of their last nine home games, although on just three of those occasions did Pompey surpass one goal, so where there is a glimmer of hope we’ve quickly jumped in to extinguish it. Sorry Pompey fans!

 

However, their league form should go out of the window in many respects as the FA Cup is now far more significant in that a place in the Semi-Finals at Wembley is up for grabs. We do have huge concerns over their defence, one which has been shaky throughout the course of the season, but they’ve shown so much heart and character of late that we wouldn’t deter anyone from backing Portsmouth to defy the odds and keep this unfortunate dream/nightmare alive. One thing we will say is the FA Cup is now the teams last chance to repay the fans for their support throughout what has been a heartbreaking season. They will have the majority of the neutrals behind them, but Portsmouth will be going out to win on Saturday purely for the fans sake.

 

 

Birmingham City

 

FA Cup Odds: 12/1 bWin

 

Alex McLeish will surely be licking his lips at the prospect of taking his surprise package of Birmingham all the way to the Semi-Final at Wembley. Their opponents are a cash-strapped, knocking on deaths door Portsmouth, with the only real stumbling block for them being their lack of home advantage. It’s a crucial factor as were this tie to be at St. Andrews, Birmingham would be the firm favourites. They aren’t, however, and it’s up to the players to silence the Pompey crowd in what should be a subdued atmosphere but certainly won’t be as the fans give it one last hoorah in a bid to drive their ’sick’ club into a memorable Semi-Final.

 

A Birmingham side who sit eighth in the Premiership will be supremely confident over their chances of winning on Saturday after a sensational season up till this point. They club are in fact pushing for a European finish, not that Alex McLeish will want to believe it. However, whereas Portsmouth have their minds distracted by so many issues; league position and money concerns one of a few, Birmingham have next to none and can place their full attention on their next big task at hand: Winning Saturday;s Quarter-Final clash down on the South coast.

 

While this isn’t an away fixture in the league, it’s worth point out that Birmingham have been less effective on their travels this season. At home Birmingham have accumulated a total of 26 points, whereas they’ve amassed nearly half-as-less as that away from home, with 14 points collected so far from away outings. It’s still very respectable for a club which were fancied for relegation at the start of the term by some punters, not us mind, but it does highlight a minor flaw, with their slightly lacklustre away efforts leaving them a tad exposed down South.

 

Moreover, Birmingham have lost their last three away fixtures whilst back in Premiership action, which isn’t ideal form heading into an away tie in the FA Cup, but, to our amazement, all of Birmingham’s three victories in the competition thus far came away from St. Andrews, with victory’s at Nott’m Forest, Everton and Derby County, all of which were by a familiar one goal margin. Their solid outlook on games has clearly paid dividends in this competition so far and who would back against them making it four away wins on the trot in this competition by beating Portsmouth at Fratton Park on Saturday?

 

 

 

Match Verdict: Portsmouth to WIN – 2.62 Bet365

 

The answer to the above question is us as we feel it could be the last memorable game down at Fratton Park for quite some time on Saturday, and we only hope it’s one to remember for all the right reasons for the home crowd. It’s hard to imagine the players can even focus at this moment in time but they shown last Saturday their heads are in the right frame of mind and that all they’re interested in once they get onto that pitch is winning matches, or at least trying to their utmost to do so. They weren’t classy on Saturday, nor were they entirely convincing – far from it – but they were gutsy and we will be one of many around the country to lend our sofa support on Saturday.

 

 

 

Our Bet: Over 2.5 Goals – 2.38 WilliamHill

 

There is only one outcome that would let us done on Saturday, and that’s a 1-1 draw. Portsmouth haven’t failed to score in a home fixture since September, while their defence looks so frail that Birmingham would have to be drastically poor not to score on Saturday, so goals look to be assured in a fixture that would normally look dull on paper. Portsmouth were fired up for their last round clash against Southampton but were extremely sluggish getting out of the blocks. A similarly poor start would almost certainly see Birmingham clinch an early lead. However, Birmingham have failed to keep a clean sheet in either of their previous two away outings in the cup and so goals looks a logical outcome. Two teams who will do all they can to win but two sides who will struggle to keep it neat and tidy at the back – Bring on the 3 Goals or More we say!

 

 

 

Match Odds:

 

Portsmouth – 2.62 Bet365

Draw – 3.40 SkyBet

Birmingham City – 2.75 PaddyPower

 

 

Saturday, 12^th February

 

12:00 GMT – Chelsea V Cardiff City

12:45 GMT – Southampton V Portsmouth

15:00 GMT – Derby County V Birmingham City

15:00 GMT – Reading V West Bromwich Albion

17:15 GMT – Manchester City V Stoke City

 

 

Sunday, 13^th February

 

13:30 GMT – Bolton Wanderers V Tottenham Hotspur

15:00 GMT – Fulham V Notts County

15:45 GMT – Crystal Palace V Aston Villa

 

 

Live on TV

 

Southampton V Portsmouth – ITV1

Manchester City V Stoke City – ITV1

 

Bolton Wanderers V Tottenham Hotspur – ITV1

Crystal Palace V Aston Villa – ITV1

 

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Chelsea V Cardiff City

 

Venue: Stamford Bridge

 

It’s a dream tie for both sides this, as Chelsea are handed what appears to be a fairly easy route through to the quarter-finals and Cardiff get their fairytale fixture against one of Europe’s top teams. However, Cardiff won’t travel to the capital in the mindset of simply rolling over and handing their fifth round opponents a bye, no, they’ll be giving it everything they’ve got and we do get the feeling that this fixture, the earliest tie of them all this weekend, could feature its fair amount of goals.

 

Chelsea are the firm favourites, which is unsurprising, with the blues’ a best priced 1/5 or 1.20 with Bet365 Their price won’t get you rich any time soon but it could prove to be a snip come full-time. However, if you’re a cup nostalgic and feel this seasons competition still has a major shock left in it, why not have a small flutter on a Cardiff victory at 18/1 with VCbet. If we’re honest, an away win does look a little far-fetched and perhaps the price of 6/1 on the Draw with Bet365 has more appeal.

 

Our Views: We can’t see past a comfortable home win for Chelsea as the competition favourites look to bypass their third Championship test of this campaign. However, like we mentioned above, their price isn’t attractive and so perhaps a small wager on the goalscorer markets would be more worthwhile. Didier Drogba looks Chelsea’s more likely scorer after impressing us all season with his goalscoring antics. He is a short though, and the best price on Drogba scoring in 90 minutes is currently 1.73 with Boylesports. However, if want to cheer on the underdog then why not have a small dabble on a former Premiership employee out-witting Petr Chech… Michael Chopra has been in and amongst the goals this season for the Bluebirds and is a very attractive 7/2 with WilliamHill to score in 90 minutes on Saturday.

 

 

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Southampton V Portsmouth

 

Venue: St. Mary’s

 

This is the game on most peoples lips, even with the neutrals. As two old foes, local foes that is, come together in a passionate embrace as the romance of the FA Cup draws up yet another cracker. However, that’s where the softly-softly ends as this will be a full-blooded affair between two bitter, local rivals as League One Southampton take on Premiership side Portsmouth at St. Mary’s.

 

The Premiership side, despite all their off-pitch problems, remain the favourites to progress further at the expense of Southampton, with Portsmouth available at 2.50 with Bet365 and a home win for Southampton currently priced at 3.00 with SkyBet. If you think they’ll be more fisty-cuff’s than slick finishing then why not have a pound or two on the draw at a more than decent 3.30 with Irish firm, PaddyPower.

 

Our Views: It’s D-Day down South and it’s a rare clash between these two sides which makes the occasion that bit more feisty and will attract far more local spectators, from both sides of the coin. We expect all this heated action of the pitch, between the two sets of fans, to be transferred onto the pitch but it should inspire the home side more simply because they have far more home based players than Portsmouth, with Pompey’s players probably not understanding nor caring about this derby and how important it is to the fans. Southampton players, however, will feel and hear just what it means to their fans and will be fired up for this encounter. A home win looks the shout to us, despite a whole league separating the two, with Southampton a tasty proposition at 3.00 with SkyBet.

 

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Derby County V Birmingham City

 

Venue: Pride Park

 

Not one of the more glamorous ties of the fifth round but that will suit both these sides down to the ground and both have a fantastic opportunity to make a rare appearance in the quarter-finals. Both have scraped through the previous rounds by the skin of their teeth so perhaps another tight contest is on the cards between two sides who don’t look particularly strong in the forward department to have us think this will be a goal-fest.

 

Birmingham, aided by their Premiership status and their form in arguably the most gruelling and physically demanding league in the world, are the favourites by are still a cosy price at 2.30 with Expekt. When you consider that Birmingham have lost just one of their last fourteen in the Premiership, a league Derby County would struggle to get any points in, surely that price is a steal. However, will the Rams, aided by their trump card, which is a rowdy home support, upset the odds by recording a victory without the need of a replay? Well, County are a best priced 3.50 with SkyBet to get the job done at Pride Park, while the draw, which would then lead to a replay at St. Andrews, is a best priced 3.40 with Boylesports.

 

Our Views: This is one fixture we won’t be delving into as it doesn’t look an attractive affair. However, Birmingham have beaten far beater opponents than Derby County this season, that’s a given, and so their price of 2.30 does look mighty generous. However, we just get the feel that their price will turn out to be too good to be true and so we won’t be getting involved.

 

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Reading V West Bromwich Albion

 

Venue: The Madjeski

 

Reading are rapidly becoming the ‘Giant Killers’ of this FA Cup after claiming the scalps of two Premiership teams already, having beaten Liverpool in Round 3; holding seven time champions to a 1-1 draw at The Madjeski before winning 2-1at Anfield after Extra-Time. And then beating Burnley 1-0 at The Madjeski in Round 4. West Brom, though, have taken a slightly more low-profile approach to the fifth round after beating League One’s Huddersfield Town at the Galpharm 2-0, and then seeing off Championship leaders Newcastle United at The Hawthorns, winning 4-2 in a corker of a game. If this was based on previous round results then Reading would win this tie hands down, but you could say the exact same about their league form in West Brom’s favour… So how do you separate the two on Saturday?!

 

Well… The bookies have come across the same dilemma and have priced these two up at roughly the same price, with a home win for Reading available with several firms at 2.75 including; SkyBet & PaddyPower, while an away win for the ‘Baggies‘ is slightly shorter at 2.63 with Bet365, which basically means the bookies narrowly give West Brom the vote of confidence. However, we still don’t see an awful lot between them, what with Reading boast home advantage, and another Madjeski draw could be the call, with a Draw available at 3.40 with SkyBet & PaddyPower.

 

Our Views: This is another tie we wouldn’t dare bet on simply because any team could win. However, if you can somehow pick a winner then you’re on to a decent priced winner as all three options would bring about a very decent return. However, we would have to give the edge to West Brom purely on the basis that they are a much better side than Reading, with the Baggies lying 2^nd in the Championship table, with Reading down in 22^nd, and West Brom did beat Reading 3-1 at The Hawthorns earlier in the season.

 

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Manchester City V Stoke City

 

Venue: City of Manchester Stadium

 

City’s owners, Man City that is, will be hoping their major spending over the summer will be an investment, and the FA Cup will be their just rewards. However, Stoke have other ideas after putting one of the favourites out in the last round in Arsenal. It’s one of just two all Premiership clashes of the fifth round and it’s a fixture Man City would have wished was far easier.

 

I didn’t even need to check the odds to know that Man City, with all their riches and expensive players, would be the odds-on favourites to progress into the next round with a win in Manchester. City are a 1/2 shot with some firms; PaddyPower & Expekt, with everyone all going shorter. An away win, however, does look tasty at 15/2 with a very generous, and probably wise, SkyBet. Some will feel Stoke’s best hopes of seeing off City are at The Brittania, so perhaps it could be worth nibbling away at some of the 4.30 currently on offer with Bet365 on the draw.

 

Our Views: If you’re looking for an outside punt then perhaps the draw is a possibility, but even that could be asking a lot from Stoke City. Man City are immensely strong at home and will take some beating on their home patch, while Stoke are one of the poorest away sides in the Premier League and will do well to walk away from this meeting with a reasonable scoreline in our opinion. Stoke have been struggling too much away from home against far smaller teams in comparison to City and we feel the home side look a very decent bet at half-decent odds. Not the most glamorous of selections but it looks a shoe-in.

 

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Bolton Wanderers V Tottenham Hotspur

 

Venue: The Reebok

 

The second all Premiership clash of the round sees Bolton entertain top four hopefuls Tottenham Hotspur at The Reebok stadium in a game that could be more exciting then it looks. Both teams, even a usually dull and rigid Bolton, are playing very attractive football at the moment, with the pair looking very bright in lively in attack. Moreover, both these sides have their own reasons as to why they have to win Sunday’s Reebok contest, which should make this a lively, possibly end-to-end encounter.

 

Bolton will feel their best opportunity of progressing into the Quarter-Finals is at The Reebok on Sunday and so they’ll be doing their utmost to avoid the draw as winning at White Hart Lane will be tough. Tottenham won’t want the burden of yet another replay and so they’ll be eager to get the job done at The Reebok. The bookies have predictably favoured with Tottenham Hotspur and have them 2.20 favourites with BlueSquare, while a less fancied home win looks very attractive at nearly 3/1, with Coral going 2.75 on a Bolton win. A stalemate, which both sides won’t appreciate, is available at 3.40 with Bet365 & SkyBet.

 

Our Views: We feel Bolton are great value to come through this tough fifth round fixture with the aid of home support. They are a tough side to beat at The Reebok as Tottenham found out a little earlier in the season when drawing 2-2. They get in you face, close you down but now they look a real force when going forward, breaking fast and getting forward in numbers. It will require a famous workmanlike performance from the home side, but at very generous odds we feel Bolton are more than worth a bet at 3.75 with Coral.

 

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Fulham V Notts County

 

Venue: Craven Cottage

 

It’s hardly the glamour tie of the round but it’s certainly the fairytale one as League Two Notts County try their luck against another of England’s finest in London’s Fulham at Craven Cottage. The Cottagers have been gifted the easiest draw of the lot it would seem and should sail through without too many problems. However, The Magpies will have other ideas and will undoubtedly give it their all in a rare fifth round appearance in the FA Cup and an even rarer appearance at Craven Cottage.

 

Fulham, because of their squad and their Premiership status, were always going to be the favourites here and it was just a case of how short they would be and whether they were any value. Well, the first thing we thought when we seen their price was ‘WOW‘ as odds of 1.53 with a very generous Bet365 look stunning when you consider Fulham are one of the toughest teams to beat at home in the country. Notts County look far too small for me at odds of 6/1 with PaddyPower, while the draw still doesn’t tickle my fancy at 4.30 with SkyBet.

 

Our Views: We fancied Fulham’s chances before we seen the prices as they have a far stronger squad and a stunning home record this season. However, we fancied them even more when we seen their price of just over ½ and we’re hoping Fulham prove to be the certs we feel they are. Only Chelsea & Arsenal have beaten Fulham at The Cottage this season, with both Liverpool & Man Utd falling at the wayside their, and we feel Notts County will just be another routine win for The Cottagers.

 

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Crystal Palace V Aston Villa

 

Venue: Selhurst Park

 

Cash strapped Palace will be hoping for another pay-day when they take on Aston Villa at Selhurst Park. However, Neil Warnock’s squad is down to the bare bones and it’s a big enough ask in getting eleven men on the pitch to let alone demand a victory from them so it’s no surprise to see Villa as the strong favourites in this clash. Palace, though, did have the beating of Wolves in the last round, albeit needing a replay, but could find this game too big a challenge.

 

Crystal Palace’s money problems has clearly had some impact on the pricing for this game as a fully-fit palace squad, one which would have kept hold of Victor Moses, could have been a right handful for Aston Villa. However, that’s now not the case and their chances of going further do look slim now. They will plug on nevertheless and still look a great bet at 4/1 to upset the odds. Villa to win looks far too short for our liking at 1.83 with VCbet, while the draw (3.60 Boyelsports) could be a wise old bet considering Palace would love a replay simply for the added TV revenue.

 

Our Views: You would have to fancy the chances of Villa beating Palace at Selhurst Park but their odds aren’t worth touching and preference would probably go in the direction of the home side, whom look a delicious price at 4/1 to overcome Champions League chasing Aston Villa. They proved in the last round that they can compete without their wonderkid, Victor Moses, and that the spirit in the camp is still very high. A big effort from the Palace lads could make this an interesting contest.

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Crystal Palace V Aston Villa

 

Sunday, 14^th February – 16:00 GMT (ITV1)

 

 

Crystal Palace

 

FA Cup Outright Odds: 125/1 PaddyPower

  

A cash-strapped Crystal Palace have been enjoying a dream run in the cup and could do with another win fall with with victory this Sunday, one that would send them into the draw for the Quarter-Finals. We’re told the money they would receive with progression would be somewhere around the £500,000 mark which is a huge amount for a club like Palace. However, to do so they will need to conquer one of England’s ever improving teams in Aston Villa, and perhaps this lottery dream of theirs could soon be dashed by O’Neill’s upcoming stars.

  

Enough with all their off-pitch issues as they aren’t the only club left in the competition with cash flow problems. We all know victory in the cup on Sunday will be met with a huge sigh of relief by the board, and excitement by the fans, at the prospect of another tasty tie in the quarter-finals, but Palace can’t afford to start dreaming of the next round too early as the slightest bit of arrogance or a lapse in concentration and Villa will punish Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park. However, the fact it’s a home tie for Palace is a huge boost and it proved the deciding factor in the previous round when Palace overcame the odds to beat Premiership side Wolves 3-1. Danny Butterfield scored a hat-trick on a turbulent night for The Eagles, although his scoring antics just highlights the difficult of the task ahead for Neil Warnock in that he has no alternative but to seek the help of defenders and all sorts just to fill the team sheet, with Butterfield required in an attacking capacity against Wolves instead of his usual defensive role. 

 

Their problems off the field have resulted in big names leaving the club, with their biggest, Victor Moses, waving goodbye during January in a lucrative deal for the club. However, this has had a huge adverse effect in that Warnock is now struggling to fill the bench. However, this type of situation does tend to bring the group closer together as they all chip in and fight for the same cause. This appears to be the case at the club right now as they had to battle hard against Wolves to see them off, which they did, but they’ve shown even more hunger and desire in the league by winning three of their last five, which is an amazing run for a club with hardly any players and with relegation looming over them.

  

Palace’s valiant run came to end on Tuesday when they were narrowly beaten 1-0 at home to Swansea. However, the players have shown that they are up for the fight and they will go that extra yard in trying to save this club. Victory on Sunday would bring in a welcome boost of funds for the club and they should need little encouragement other than to highlight the reward for success at Selhurst Park this weekend. Another battling effort is required if Palace are to overcome adversity again, but it’s not out of the question and we’re sure Palace will have plenty of neutral support on Sunday.

 

 

 

Aston Villa

 

FA Cup Outright Odds: 8/1 BlueSquare

  

Villa are the worthy favourites to progress further in the tournament but won’t have been pleased to see their name drawn in an away fixture, and perhaps not overly impressed with drawing Crystal Palace as they know their opponents will be doing everything within their power to win on Sunday in order to boost their cash flow problems. However, the Villa players can’t afford to feel sorry for their match day opponents and, with Martin O’Neill at the helm, we don’t see that happening. Will Villa add to Palace’s woes by sending them out of the FA Cup at a time when winning is priceless? 

 

Well, if Villa play like they did in midweek when they drew 1-1 with Manchester United then their opponents may have half-a-chance. Despite taking an early lead, and despite seeing their opponents reduced to 10 men, Villa played in such a negative manner that it was beyond belief that we were actually watching the same Aston Villa that beat Man Utd 1-0 at Old Trafford with a ruthless display back in December. With the battle for fourth now taking over their footballing life’s, perhaps the pressure is starting to get to the players, just like it did last season!

  

On paper, after looking through all the names available to Martin O’Neill for this clash; the likes of James Milner, Ashley Young (Both dangerous play-makers for Villa), and aided by their forward partnering of Emile Heskey & Gabriel Agbonlahor, you would think Villa would be a shoe-in. However, since Villa smashed six in against Blackburn in the Carling Cup Semi-Final, Villa haven’t been as potent in the final third and haven’t been for quite some time if we’re honest. Stretching back to 27^th December, Villa have only managed to score in two of their last seven league games. Their only away goals of the year came at Craven Cottage when they beat Fulham with two fortuitous strikes. They failed in their next attempt though, once again playing in a negative manner when drawing 0-0 at Tottenham.

  

Aston Villa have been far too lax in their recent outings, especially their last two, and anything similar on Sunday would make them a precarious bet. However, considering they’ve had some tough fixtures of late, and to put it into perspective that Sunday’s opponents are just the Championship’s Crystal Palace, surely a more adventurous and attacking Aston Villa will take to the field at Selhurst Park? If so, Villa should come through this potentially difficult away tie – However, another dull display could make this a very interesting contest from a neutral perspective.

 

  

How they got here?

 

 

Crystal Palace

 

Beat Sheffield Wednesday 2-1 (A)

Drew Wolves 2-2 (A)

Beat Wolves 3-1 (H)

 

 

Aston Villa

 

Beat Blackburn Rovers 3-1 (H)

Beat Brighton 3-2 (H)

 

 

Match Verdict: Aston Villa to WIN – 1.83 VCbet

  

We wouldn’t put anyone off backing the romance of the cup to guide Palace through this money spinning encounter with Aston Villa, but we honestly feel this game is there for the taken if Villa apply themselves in a professional manner. If the players pull their fingers out and play the stylish, attacking football we’ve all come to love with them this season then Villa should be the victors. However, on the same token, if Palace put in another battling display and give 110%, aided by another below par effort from Villa, then who knows what will happen at Selhurst Park. An upset isn’t out of the question, but Villa have this tie in their hands. It’s just guessing what they want to do with it that’s the problem.

  

It’s also worth noting that Villa have struggled in the FA Cup thus far, scraping through very winnable home games, which is a concern considering this is their first attempt at winning away from Villa Park in this competition. Also, Palace will have most of the support in the ground, which should go without saying, and they will get right behind their players.

 

 

 

Match Odds:

 

Crystal Palace – 5.00 SkyBet

Draw – 3.60 Boylesports

Aston Villa – 1.83 VCbet 

 

 

SoccerBetting Value Tip: Both teams to score (YES) – 1.91 WilliamHill

 

Bolton Wanderers V Tottenham Hotspur

 

Sunday, 14^th February – 13:30 GMT (ITV1)

 

 

Bolton Wanderers

 

FA Cup Outright Odds: 44/1 bWin

  

Bolton have been blessed with yet another home FA Cup fixture, their third of the campaign, although they won’t have been impressed in the slightest with their draw of Tottenham Hotspur, a side with top four ambitions in the Premiership. Nevertheless, this is a very do-able fixture for Bolton, and if they apply themselves in the right manner and put in a good shift then the quarter-finals will beckon for Owen Coyle and his battle-hardened troops.  

 

It’s rare to see Bolton get this far in a cup competition as their squads down the years haven’t exactly been big, nor impressive, and while their run in this years competition looks great, which it is, they have been fortunate this season in that the draw has favoured them somewhat. Not only were both of their previous two FA Cup fixtures at home, at The Reebok, but they were also against lower league opposition in Lincoln City & Sheffield United. Still, as the old adage goes “You can only beat what is put in front of you” and Bolton have applied that rule perfectly thus far in the FA Cup, dispatching both Lincoln & United with aplomb.

 

Tottenham, however, will provide Owen Coyle with a much sterner test and the players will really need to raise their game for this clash as they will need to be on top of their game to overcome a Spurs side which is well equipped to delve even deeper in the tournament. Bolton will lose out in the battle for squad supremacy, with Tottenham’s strength in depth far superior to Bolton’s, but Owen Coyle can feel confident in the knowledge that his best starting eleven can be a match for most sides in the Premiership on their day, and they’ve proven this in recent fixtures; pushing Arsenal all the way in two defeated outings and then giving Liverpool a few scares at Anfield just a fortnight ago.

  

It is easy to forget that Bolton haven’t been picking up an awful lot of points of late, despite some valiant displays sometimes overshadowing the final result. They were beaten once again in midweek, after again playing very well, when they lost out to Man City. That was their fourth defeat in six games under Owen Coyle but the former Burnley manager has had a torrid fixture list to contend with in his short tenure at the club and a victory on Saturday would go some way to forgetting this poor run of results.

 

 

 

Tottenham Hotspur

 

FA Cup Outright Odds: 13/2 Coral

  

Harry Redknapp would have been wishing for a far easier draw then the one they eventually got when they got drawn with Bolton Wanderers in an away outing. Tottenham have already paid Bolton a visit this season in the Premier League and it was honours even that day in an exciting 2-2 draw. However, with crucial fixtures coming up, and the battle for fourth getting competitive, Redknapp and Tottenham could do without another draw as a replay would only hamper their fixture list. 

 

So, we suppose the question is; Will Harry Redknapp go all out in search of the win to avoid an unwanted replay? Well, we don’t think he’ll change an awful lot with his tactics but we do think he will put more emphasis on his players at least trying their hardest to get a priceless and replay-avoiding win. Tottenham have been a lethal looking attacking side all season, with pace, height and tricky combined in the final third to make for one tricky outfit. However, Tottenham haven’t been as effective away from home, with just a third of their wins in the league coming away from White Hart Lane.  

 

The big negative for us is Tottenham’s current away predicament in that their only away victory in all competitions since Christmas was their win at Elland Road against Leeds United in the previous round, although even that was by virtue of a replay. They’ve failed in their last three attempts to win an away fixture against Premiership opposition, drawing at both Fulham & Birmingham City while losing at Liverpool. However, this could all change by Wednesday night as they take on Wolverhampton Wanderers at Molineux.

  

Tottenham did look a classy outfit in their last FA Cup outing at Leeds but, then again, Leeds are a League One side and they did sit back and allow Tottenham to come at them. Bolton, however, won’t be as generous with time and space on the ball and will close the Spurs players down at every given opportunity. This will be a tough game for Tottenham and, despite boasting some classy individuals in their squad, could very well struggle to compete with a combative Bolton Wanderers at The Reebok.

 

 

 

How they got here?

 

Bolton Wanderers

 

Beat Lincoln City 4-0 (H)

Beat Sheffield United 2-0 (H)

 

 

Tottenham Hotspur

 

Beat Peterborough United 4-0 (H)

Drew Leeds United 2-2 (H)

Beat Leeds United 3-1 (A)

 

 

 

Match Verdict: Bolton Wanderers to WIN – 3.75 Coral

 

It’s a bold prediction but we feel Bolton could get one over on Tottenham at the weekend. They’ve come ever so close to a huge victory over a talented side on so many occasions now and Spurs could be the game where Bolton fans step up and realise that Owen Coyle is the real deal as Bolton manager. He has them playing proper on-the-floor football now, with more threat and guile when going forward, while they still boast that tough, awkward feel to them which makes them a more versatile side now. It will require a big performance from the Bolton, that should go without saying, but I feel Bolton could supply us with a mini shock here in a round where we don’t expect there to be many.

 

 

Match Odds:

 

Bolton Wanderers – 3.75 Coral

Draw – 3.40 Boylesports

Tottenham Hotspur – 2.20 BlueSquare

 

 

SoccerBetting Value Pick: Team to score first (Bolton) – 2.50 StanJames