We take a look at the two FA Cup semi-finals taking place at the Wembley Stadium this weekend and suggest a bet in each game.
Let’s start with a look at the Outright Betting where Manchester City are unsurprisingly firm favourites here at 11/20, you can get 33/10 Manchester United, 4/1 Brighton and 33/1 Sheffield United, the only non-Premier League side in the last 4.
Click here for FA Cup Outright Betting
SATURDAY
Manchester City v Sheffield United – Click here to bet
Manchester City began the FA Cup campaign with a couple of tough fixtures, but they beat Chelsea 4-0 at home in the 3rd round and then saw off Arsenal 1-0 also at home. They were away to Bristol City in the last 16 and they won 3-0 and then Burnley 6-0 at home to book their spot in the last 4. Manchester City have scored 14 goals without conceding in the campaign so far.
In midweek they drew 1-1 at Bayern Munich a result that comfortably saw them through to the semi-finals of the Champions League.
Sheffield United are currently 2nd in the Championship and having a great season. They saw off Millwall 2-0 on the road in the 3rd round and then required a replay to beat Wrexham in the round of 32. The round of 16 saw them take the Premiership scalp of Tottenham 1-0 at home and they were also at home against Blackburn in the quarters winning 3-2.
If you fancy an upset for this game you can get 16/1 Sheffield United, but even though Manchester City have a hectic fixture list I can’t look past a City win here. I don’t think it will be a walk in the park though and I am going to go for City to win this game by 2 goals exactly.
Suggested Bet: Handicap: Manchester City -2, the draw at 16/5
Double your winnings if your team concedes first
Place a double on the FA Cup Semi Finals, and if either of your selections concedes the 1st goal of the game, but goes on to win in 90 minutes, we will double your winnings in Free Bet vouchers.
*Pre-Match events only. T’s & C’s apply. Refund/Payout limited to R2000.
Valid for bets taken on any games on 22nd & 23rd April
Simply email promotions@wsb.co.za with Subject ‘FA Cup SF’
SUNDAY
Brighton v Manchester United – Click here to bet
Brighton currently sit 7th on the English Premier League table with Manchester United in 3rd, 10 points above them, but having played a game more.
Brighton have been impressive in making the semi-finals and they started with a 5-1 win away to Middlesbrough in the 3rd round. They then hosted Liverpool and won that fixture 2-1 before beating Stoke 1-0 on the road. Their quarter-final was at home to Grimsby where they were short priced favourites and duly delivered with a 5-0 victory.
Manchester United played all 4 of their matches at home against Everton, Reading, West Ham and then Fulham in the quarters. Amazingly all 4 of those matches finished 3-1 in United’s favour.
Bookmakers have Brighton slight favourites for this game at 15/10 with the draw on offer 26/10 and Manchester United 18/10 and that is likely because of United’s heavy schedule which sees them playing Sevilla on Thursday night.
I was looking at over 2.5 goals here, but 7/10 is just a bit short for my liking and I am going to go with a slightly bigger price on Brighton to qualify at 15/20 as I do believe that Manchester United’s schedule will catch up with them and that 2 big games in the space of 4 days is a big ask.
Suggested Bet: Brighton to qualify at 15/20
Click here for betting on all of the weekend’s English Football action
Note: All prices correct at the time of writing but are subject to change
