The FA Cup returns this weekend with two all-Premier League clashes on Saturday as Manchester United take on Arsenal and Birmingham host Bolton. They both look set to be close-fought affairs but who might make it to the semi-finals?
Manchester United v Arsenal
United and Arsenal are the only real contenders for the Premier League title this season but all thoughts of who might walk away with the league will be forgotten this weekend as the two fierce rivals do battle in the world’s most prestigious domestic cup competition (United 9/4 to win FA Cup).
The two giants have faced each other just once this season, with the Red Devils securing a 1-0 Premier League success back in December last year, but that result will not matter a bit as Arsene Wenger brings his side to Old Trafford.
The Gunners will be without keeper Wojciech Szczesny, who dislocated his finger against Barcelona in mid-week, and it remains to be seen what sort of side Wenger puts out, with Cesc Fabregas and Robin van Persie playing when not fully fit against the Catalans.
The Gunners were challenging on four fronts just a couple of weeks ago but defeat to Birmingham City in the Carling Cup final and the Barca result means it is now down to just the FA Cup and Premier League to end their six-year trophy drought.
There is no doubt that Wenger wants to win the competition and the sight of Sir Alex Ferguson in the opposition dug-out will surely make him field his strongest possible team, with Arsenal also looking to put down a marker for their league clash on May 1, which may prove pivotal in the race for the title.
Ferguson will be without Nani, who has been ruled out until April, but it likely to put out a strong side as he will be keen not to give an inch to a Gunners side that he has praised for the way they have kept their form this season.
The rivalry is now back on according to the Scot and this has all the makings of a classic, with United just sneaking through.
Odds: United 10/11 to win
Value bet: United to win 2-1 (7/1)
Birmingham City v Bolton Wanderers
Birmingham are embroiled in a relegation dog-fight but manager Alex McLeish has already made it clear that he wants further cup glory, after the Blues amazing victory over Arsenal in the Carling Cup final.
But the Scot will have to do without Alexander Hleb, Scott Dann and James McFadden for the tie, while Lee Bowyer, David Bentley, Keith Fahey, Stephen Carr, Liam Ridgewell, Craig Gardner and Nikola Zigic are all rated doubtful.
Confidence is high in the camp although it is inevitable that the players will have one eye on their Premier League position with just goal difference keeping them from the drop zone at present.
Bolton have no such worries, however, as they sit in seventh place in the table and will almost certainly be playing in the top flight next season.
Owen Coyle has developed a strong squad at the Reebok and, with Birmingham’s injury problems, will fancy their chances of progressing to the last four of the FA Cup.
Daniel Sturridge is cup-tied and Coyle will have to do without Jlloyd Samuel, Zat Knight, Sean Davis, Joey O’Brien and Sam Ricketts, but the Trotters are unbeaten in five games in all competitions and are tipped to win this one on Saturday.
Odds: Bolton 8/5 to win
Value bet: 2-3 goals (10/11)
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