The FA Cup has thrown up a few big surprises this year and on paper Sunday’s fixtures could provide a few more. However, those of us who don’t let their hearts rule their heads will look at the three cup matches as a chance to recoup some of the loses the magic of cup has cost them. We take a look at the best bets for all of the clashes (FA Cup – outright and match markets).
Manchester City v Notts County
This clash at Eastlands is a fourth-round replay as the two clubs failed to squeeze in the match before what is suppose to be fifth-round weekend. Those of you who casts their minds back to the first game at Meadow Lane will remember City fans sweating bullets until Edin Dzeko saved their blushes in the last ten minutes.
On a pitch carved up by hefty rugby players City struggled but on their own patch the League One club shouldn’t pose too much of a threat. City to win at 8/15 with a minus one handicap is the best bet if you are looking to back Roberto Mancini’s men to win outright. For some value you will have to look at some of the other markets and stick your neck out a bit. While Notts have predominately struggled for goals on the road this season with Lee Hughes in the side they pose a genuine threat up top.
For that reason a look at the correct score market and City to win 3-1 at 10/1 could be your best bet for what should be a comfortable afternoon for the Premier League title hopefuls.
Fulham v Bolton
Having got through the early rounds of the competition these two sides might be starting to dream of a trip to Wembley. Both sides should avoid a relegation dog fight this season and as such can turn their attentions to the chance of claiming some silverware. The Trotters haven’t won a major tournament since the FA Cup in 1958, while the Cottagers have never lifted any silverware in their 132-year history.
However, Fulham came close last year in the Europa League and it should be Mark Hughes’ side who march into the quarter-finals. Craven Cottage is once again becoming a fortress for the west London outfit and five wins in the last six at home justifies Hughes’ men being slight favourites.
Fulham are 11/10 to beat Bolton and should take advantage of Owen Coyle’s injury-hit squad. Without the cup-tied Daniel Sturridge the Trotters lack their in-form hitman and could struggle. Having seen off Tottenham inside the first half in the fourth round Fulham to win at half-time/full-time at 5/2 should be worth a look.
Leyton Orient v Arsenal
Having beaten Barcelona in midweek Arsenal will probably feel like they can get the better of anyone as they get set to head to Brisbane Road. The Gunners gave everything on Wednesday night against the Champions League favourites but will be in for another cup test against Leyton Orient. So far in the FA Cup Arsenal have squeezed past Leeds after a replay and were on the rack against Huddersfield when they were reduced to 10 men before a late rally.
Expect Arsene Wenger to make a whole host of changes for the short trip across the capital but it will still be a strong side that takes to the field on Sunday. Given their fantastic comeback against Barcelona it might be tough for Wenger to get his players up for the challenge of Orient. Russel Slade’s side aren’t to be underestimated either, avoiding defeat in their last 11 in all competitions and winning their last three.
As far as betting is concerned it is tough to look beyond the Gunners to come out on top but given Orient’s recent form, and of course the magic of the cup, it should be a tight encounter. Draw half-time and Arsenal full-time at 16/5 looks a good price but if you are feeling really brave the draw at 9/2 could be as close as we get to an upset.
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