The FA Cup continues on Sunday with the tie of the round as Manchester United travel to the Etihad Stadium for the huge clash with Manchester United. The day’s other fixtures throws up some tasty matches, with a repeat of the 2010 final and a tough test for Martin O’Neill’s revival of Sunderland.
Manchester City v Manchester United 1pm
For the first time in a very long time City will head into a Manchester derby as favourites off the back of a fantastic 2011. Totesport price Roberto Mancini’s men at 11/10 to dump United out of the FA Cup for the second year running after turning them over 6-1 at Old Trafford earlier in the season. City also grabbed the headlines when the two teams met at Wembley in the FA Cup semi-finals, Mancini’s men winning 1-0 on their way to ultimate glory.
The Etihad faithful will be eagerly anticipating Sunday’s match given the recent history between the two teams, and the club’s respective form. United are looking to avoid a third straight defeat in all competitions after a disastrous New Year period where they were beaten by Blackburn and Newcastle. Sir Alex Ferguson’s men were abject in defeat at St James’ Park and alarm bells will be ringing inside Fergie’s head going into this clash.
While Mancini’s men were defeated by Sunderland on New Year’s Day they did recover to beat Liverpool 3-0. The Italian claims he is struggling for players for this clash which is surely a bit of kidology given all of United’s injury problems at the moment. One player who will be a big miss for City is Yaya Toure and without him they will lack the driving force which has carried them through a few games this season. As such sitting on the fence might be a smart option here, with the draw priced at 12/5.
Chelsea v Portsmouth 3pm
The last time these two clubs met was in the final of the FA Cup in 2010, Chelsea edging out Portsmouth to complete the double that year. In the time that has passed since that encounter Pompey nearly went out of business and are currently at the wrong end of the Championship table, while Chelsea are struggling to stay in the top four in the Premier League. The Blues have struggled under Andre Villas-Boas this season, with a lack of goals and defensive slip ups hampering Chelsea’s season.
Portsmouth will look at Chelsea’s form this season, especially their results at home, and think they are in with a chance. Pompey boss Michael Appleton has talked up the importance of this game but knows his main focus has to be keeping the south cost club up this season. The Championship outfit have only lost only one of the last 7 but Chelsea should have too much for them. Chelsea to win 3-1 is priced at 10/1 and two or more goals by half-time at 11/10 might also be a sound investment.
Peterborough v Sunderland 3:30pm
When the draw was made this game was picked for television coverage because Sunderland were sliding towards the bottom three under Steve Bruce and it seemed an upset would be on the cards. Since then Martin O’Neill has come to the Stadium of Light and turned things around, helping the Black Cats pick up 13 points from a possible 18. O’Neill says he is looking forward to a distraction from the league in the form of Sunday’s cup contest but admits he might be forced to make changes.
Sunderland have a crippling injury crisis and there may be a few unknown faces in their starting eleven at London Road. Whoever plays for the Wearsiders they shouldn’t underestimate a Peterborough side who appear to be on the up.
Darren Ferguson’s men were desperately unlucky not to beat Birmingham City last time out and have some good players in their team in Ryan Tunncliffe, Tommy Rowe and George Boyd. The Posh are 11/4 to beat Sunderland, a price which might tempt many to back the underdogs. However, while Peterborough have enough to match Sunderland you get the impression the way the Black Cats are going a draw, at 12/5, is the best they can hope for. Sunderland at even money looks to be your best bet.
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