FA Cup action returns this weekend and we preview three of the matches set to take place in the fifth round.
Let’s start with the Outright Betting, where Manchester City lead the way as 7/4 favourites, closely followed by Newcastle United at 5/1. Aston Villa are next in line at 7/1, while Bournemouth and Manchester United are available at 9/1 and 10/1, respectively. For those eyeing longer odds, you’ll find the rest of the field starting from 14/1 and beyond.
Click here for the FA Cup Outright Betting
Get your money back if your team loses to an injury time penalty.
Introducing Tough Luck Insurance from World Sports Betting. Bet on football matches with confidence, and if your team loses to an injury time penalty, we’ll return your stake as free bets.
*Valid for Pre-Match and Live in Play events up to 90 Mins.
T’s & C’s apply. Refund/Payout limited to R5000. Single/Straight bets only.
Free Bets do not qualify for this offer. Limited to 1 refund per customer per event.
Simply email promotions@wsb.co.za with Subject ‘ Tough Luck Insurance ’
SATURDAY
MANCHESTER CITY v PLYMOUTH – Click here to bet
Manchester City continue their FA Cup campaign with a home tie against Plymouth Argyle at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday. Pep Guardiola’s side has had their difficulties keeping pace with Premier League leaders Liverpool, making the FA Cup an increasingly important avenue for silverware this season. The Citizens secured their place in the fifth round with a 2-1 win over Leyton Orient in the previous round, and their remarkable squad depth should enable Guardiola to rotate without sacrificing quality. Despite their domestic struggles, City should emerge victorious in what is likely to be a one-sided affair.
Plymouth, on the other hand, are living the dream, facing one of Europe’s elite clubs in this round. The Pilgrims caused the shock of the tournament so far by stunning Liverpool 1-0 in the previous round to secure their spot here. While they are currently struggling in the Championship, sitting in 22nd place, manager Miron Muslic’s men will relish the opportunity to test themselves against City in what will be a daunting trip to the Etihad.
Head-to-Head
This will be the first competitive meeting between Manchester City and Plymouth Argyle since 1989, when the two sides faced off in Division two, with City running out 2-0 winners.
Betting
Manchester City 1/14
Draw 12/1
Plymouth 30/1
Verdict
Despite what Plymouth achieved in the previous round, it’s hard to see anything other than a comprehensive victory for the hosts. Even with squad rotation, the gap in quality is vast, and Plymouth’s focus will likely be on damage limitation rather than an upset.
Suggested Bet: Manchester City to Win Both Halves – Yes at 4/6
SUNDAY
NEWCASTLE UNITED v BRIGHTON – Click here to bet
On Sunday, Newcastle United host Brighton & Hove Albion at St. James’ Park, with both teams hoping to make a deep FA Cup run. Eddie Howe’s men have been excellent at home, securing seven wins from their last nine matches in all competitions. They will be eager to build momentum ahead of their Carabao Cup final against Liverpool in a fortnight. Newcastle booked their place in the fifth round with a stunning 3-2 win away to Birmingham, but concerns over Alexander Isak’s fitness after being sidelined midweek may loom large. While Newcastle’s home form has been solid, their defensive vulnerabilities remain a worry, having conceded nine goals in their last four matches at St. James’ Park.
Brighton, sitting 8th in the Premier League, caused a stir by overcoming Chelsea 2-1 at the Amex in the previous round and will aim to defy the odds once more at St. James’ Park. Winning their last four consecutive games and scoring 11 goals in the process, Fabian Hürzeler’s side has proven they are more than capable of upsetting the big teams on their day. With their attacking form firing, the Seagulls will undoubtedly provide a stern test for Newcastle’s defence.
Head-to-Head
Brighton have had the upper hand in this fixture in recent times, where they remain unbeaten in their last three by winning two and drawing the other with Newcastle. Brighton won 1-0 earlier this season when they travelled to St James’ Park in the league.
Betting
Newcastle United 23/20
Draw 28/10
Brighton 22/10
Verdict
With both teams prone to defensive lapses and possessing attacking talent, this has the potential to be an open and high-scoring encounter. Newcastle will have the backing of their home crowd, but Brighton’s ability to play on the front foot certainly make them extremely dangerous this weekend.
Suggested Bet: Total And Both Teams To Score – Over 2.5 And Yes at 15/20
MANCHESTER UNITED v FULHAM – Click here to bet
Manchester United will look to defend their FA Cup title as they welcome Fulham to Old Trafford on Sunday. With Ruben Amorim’s side languishing in 14th place in the Premier League, the competition represents a crucial chance for silverware this season. United progressed to the fifth round after a gritty 2-1 win over Leicester City, and despite their inconsistent league form, they have found joy in the FA Cup. Their home form is also improving, having won three of their last four outings at Old Trafford, with only one defeat.
Fulham, sitting comfortably in mid-table in the Premier League, will look to disrupt an already out-of-sorts United side. However, it’s worth noting that Fulham have beaten Manchester United just once since 2009, highlighting their struggles in this particular fixture. Marco Silva’s team booked their place in the fifth round with a 2-1 win away to Wigan. With a quarter-final spot on the line, Fulham will be eager to test Ruben Amorim’s men and continue their cup run, with plenty of motivation to keep their ambitions alive.
Head-to-Head
Manchester United have dominated this fixture historically, winning five of their last six meetings with Fulham, including a 3-1 victory at Old Trafford in last season’s FA Cup quarter-finals.
Betting
Manchester United 29/20
Draw 5/2
Fulham 39/20
Verdict
United’s cup form has been far more impressive than their league performances, but their defensive struggles make this an intriguing matchup. Fulham will be confident of finding the net, yet United’s strong record in this competition, coupled with the advantage of playing at Old Trafford, could ultimately make the difference between the two sides.
Suggested Bet: Result And Both Teams To Score – Manchester United And Yes at 7/2
Click here for betting on all FA Cup matches
Note: All prices correct at the time of writing but are subject to change
