We take a look at all four Quarter-Finals taking place this weekend in the FA Cup, suggesting a bet for each game.
Before delving into the previews, let’s glance at the outright markets. Man City remains the favourite at 14/10 to retain the title, with second-favourite Liverpool currently priced at 3/1. Chelsea has shortened to 6/1, leaving the remaining field priced at 8/1 or better.
Click here for FA Cup outright betting
Refund if your selections lose to nil
Place a multiple bet of 3 or more Premier League matches and if all of your selections lose to nil, we will refund your stake in Free Bets!
*Pre-Match events only. T’s &C’s apply. Refund/Payout limited to R2000.
Free Bets do not qualify for this offer. Limited to 1 refund per customer per matchday.
Promotion must be claimed within 24 hours of the games finishing.
Valid for bets taken before each Premier League game.
Simply email promotions@wsb.co.za with Subject ‘PL Nil’
SATURDAY
WOLVERHAMPTON WANDERERS v COVENTRY CITY – Click here to bet
Coventry travels to Molineux Stadium this Saturday, aiming to continue their run in the oldest football competition in the world. Standing in their way of progressing to the semi-finals are Wolverhampton Wanderers.
Wolves advanced to the quarter-finals after defeating Brighton 1-0 in the 5th round. The hosts took an early lead in the game and managed to contain the Seagulls despite the visitors dominating possession. With four wins out of five overall and three consecutive victories at home, Wolves are a team with momentum on their side. The hosts will fancy their chances against Championship outfit Coventry City, considering how well they have contained recent opponents, arguably much stronger than what they face this Saturday.
Coventry made light work of Maidstone United in the previous round, thrashing their opponents 5-0. The scoreline looks impressive, but it’s essential to address the fact that their opponents were a National League outfit, and anything but a comfortable win for Coventry would have been a shock result. Entering this round on back-to-back wins will only galvanize the team, dreaming of one step closer to FA Cup glory.
Wolves should have too much class, and they are expected to progress to the semis with relative ease. Coventry’s last five encounters in all competitions have resulted in over 2.5 goals, and given that they now have to face Premier League opposition, that trend is likely to continue.
Recommended Bet: Result And Totals, Wolves And Over 2.5 Goals at 14/10
MANCHESTER CITY v NEWCASTLE UNITED– Click here to bet
The Magpies will have an opportunity to overthrow the current FA Cup holders, Man City, this Saturday at the Etihad, fully aware that this will be their last chance to obtain silverware this season.
Man City dominated their opponents, Luton Town, in the previous round with an impressive 6-2 win away from home. Haaland, in particular, was in fine form for City, scoring five times for the Citizens that evening. At home, Man City has been unstoppable, registering eight wins from nine in all competitions and averaging 2.42 goals per game at the Etihad during their EPL campaign this season.
Newcastle United needed penalties to get themselves over the line against Blackburn Rovers in the previous round. Despite taking the lead in the 71st minute, Rovers hit back 8 minutes later with an equalizer, resulting in a 1-1 full-time score. The Magpies have not been in particularly great form on the road, recently losing 3-2 to Chelsea, making it two losses from three away from home in all competitions. On average, the visitors have scored 1.78 goals per game away from home in the EPL this season.
Having met already earlier this season, resulting in a 3-2 win for Man City away at St. James’ Park. This should be a decent game, and goals should flow. The Magpies have been guilty of conceding 2.28 goals away from home this season but do offer threats themselves upfront. City’s number one choice keeper, Ederson, will be out, having sustained an injury in their last game, offering Newcastle a glimmer of hope.
Recommended Bet: Both Teams To Score, Yes at 8/10
SUNDAY
CHELSEA v LEICESTER CITY – Click here to bet
Leicester City travels to Stamford Bridge, hoping to prove they should be mixing it with the best once again against Premier League opposition.
Chelsea secured their spot after overcoming Leeds United 3-2, requiring a 90th-minute winner to progress from the 5th round. Fixtures involving the Blues have been entertaining of late, averaging 4.66 goals per game in their last three appearances. From an armchair point of view, it’s great to witness, but for Chelsea, there must be concern over the fact that they have now conceded an average of 2 goals in their last three matches.
The Foxes required extra time to clinch a dramatic 1-0 win over Bournemouth in the previous round. Currently, holding the top spot in the Championship standings, Leicester will be desperate to bounce back next season. This game will provide another stern test against EPL opposition but a welcoming one, no doubt, if they are to showcase their progression. Averaging 2.16 goals per game away from home in the league with 13 wins places them in good stead upon entering London, despite the obvious gulf in class between Premier League and Championship football.
Goals seem to be the way to go in this one. Chelsea has been banging them in for fun of late but has also been guilty of slipping up at the back. The Foxes themselves will want to prove a point and will be desperate to keep up with Chelsea’s recent run of goals.
Recommended Bet: Totals And Both Teams To Score, Over 2.5 And Yes at 1/1
MANCHESTER UNITED v LIVERPOOL – Click here to bet
Familiar foes will face each other this Sunday when Liverpool visits Old Trafford, hoping to claim more silverware this season.
Manchester United secured their spot in the last eight by overcoming Nottingham Forest 1-0 in the 5th round. The Red Devils left it late, with a well-timed header from Casemiro in the 89th minute, giving Forest precious little time to recover. United seems to have found some form, much to the relief of Ten Hag, entering the quarterfinals with consistency after registering eight wins and one draw in their last eleven appearances in all competitions.
There is talk that Rasmus Hojlund may return just in time for this clash, which would be a welcome boost for the Reds, adding more artillery upfront, especially with Rashford finding some form with back-to-back goals in the Premier League.
Liverpool cruised through the previous round, comfortably disposing of Southampton 3-0 at Anfield. The Reds, having already attained the League Cup this season, will be in a position to add more to their cabinet. Their recent record against the Red Devils has been particularly impressive, keeping four clean sheets in their last five encounters and scoring at least three goals in four of their last six meetings.
While their usual suspects will be on display, I have been particularly impressed with Alexis Mac Allister; his recent contributions have been immense for the Reds, and he seems to have come into his own lately, looking like the complete package in every way.
Despite their most recent game ending 0-0 at Anfield this season, this fixture usually brings drama and plenty of goals. United has shown steady progress of late, but I cannot help but feel there is still plenty of work to be done before they can silence their critics. Liverpool has been superb this season, and given their recent record against United, a chance is taken on the visitors.
Recommended Bet: Full Time Result, Liverpool at 10/11
Click here for all the weekend’s English Football action
Note: All prices correct at the time of writing but are subject to change
