FA Cup action returns this weekend as we preview three of the matches set to take place in the fourth round.
Let’s kick things off with the Outright Betting, where Manchester City lead the charge as 7/2 favourites, closely followed by Liverpool at 9/2. Chelsea are next at 7/1, while both Manchester United and Newcastle United can be backed at 8/1. For those looking for longer odds, you’ll find 14/1 and beyond for the rest of the field.
Click here for the FA Cup Outright Betting
FRIDAY
MANCHESTER UNITED v LEICESTER CITY – Click here to bet
Manchester United will be looking to book their place in the FA Cup fifth round when they host Leicester City at Old Trafford on Friday. Ruben Amorim’s men enter this clash desperate to bounce back from a disappointing 2-0 defeat at home to Crystal Palace, a result that leaves them languishing in 13th place in the Premier League standings. With their top-flight campaign faltering, the FA Cup presents a valuable opportunity to lift morale and chase silverware in an otherwise turbulent season. The Red Devils have struggled for consistency, but a cup run could provide the spark they need to turn their fortunes around.
Manchester United’s journey to the fourth round was anything but straightforward. They fought Arsenal to a 1-1 draw at the Emirates in the previous round before holding their nerve in a tense penalty shootout to progress. While their cup run has already tested their resilience, they will be keen to avoid similar drama at Old Trafford and book their place in the next stage with a more convincing performance.
Leicester City, meanwhile, are enduring a nightmare run of their own. The Foxes were thrashed 4-0 by Everton at Goodison Park last Saturday, leaving them in 18th place and deeply embroiled in a relegation battle. Defensive frailties have been a major concern, with Leicester conceding 9 goals in their last four matches. However, their FA Cup journey has been far more straightforward than United’s. They cruised past Queens Park Rangers in the previous round with a commanding 6-2 victory at King Power Stadium.
Adding further intrigue to this fixture is the return of Ruud van Nistelrooy to Old Trafford. The former Manchester United striker, who also had a brief stint as the club’s interim head coach, now finds himself in the opposition dugout as Leicester City’s manager. Van Nistelrooy will be hoping that the Theatre of Dreams can provide his struggling side with the spark they desperately need to turn their season around. With Leicester’s FA Cup triumph in 2021 still fresh in memory, the Foxes know what it takes to make a deep run in this competition.
Head-to-Head
Manchester United have dominated this fixture in recent years, winning four of their last five encounters against Leicester City, including a commanding 3-0 victory at Old Trafford in their most recent meeting. However, Leicester have enjoyed cup success against United before, most notably eliminating them in the 2021 FA Cup quarter-finals with a 3-1 victory.
Betting
Manchester United 7/20
Draw 5/1
Leicester City 7/1
Verdict
I’m not convinced we’ll see many goals in this encounter. Both sides have been struggling domestically, especially in front of goal, so it wouldn’t be surprising if this turned out to be a relatively low-scoring affair. While United are strong favourites at 7/20, confidence within the squad seems to be at an all-time low. For that reason, I’ll be looking at more exotic market for my bet.
Suggested Bet: Double Chance And Total, Manchester United/Draw And Under 3.5 at 19/20
SATURDAY
LEEDS UNITED v MILLWALL – Click here to bet
Leeds United and Millwall renew their heated North-South rivalry when they clash in the FA Cup fourth round at Elland Road on Saturday. With both teams vying for bragging rights, this encounter promises to be a fiercely contested battle between two sides with no love lost, especially when it comes to their passionate fan-bases.
Leeds enter Saturday’s clash unbeaten in their last thirteen appearances across all competitions. Their 7-0 thrashing of Cardiff City last weekend reaffirmed their place at the top of the Championship table. Daniel Farke’s side has been in excellent attacking form, and they will be eager to maintain their momentum as they continue their FA Cup run after securing a 1-0 victory over Harrogate in the third round. With their focus now shifting from Championship duties to the FA Cup, Leeds will aim to make light work of Millwall at Elland Road.
Millwall, however, are coming into this fixture with renewed confidence. After a difficult start to the season, Alex Neil’s men have managed to string together three consecutive wins, including a 3-1 victory over Queens Park Rangers last weekend. This run has lifted them to 13th in the Championship, and they’ll be hoping to build on their recent momentum. Millwall made their way to the fourth round with an impressive 3-0 victory over Dag & Red in the previous round, and while their focus is likely on league performance, they will be eager to make a strong showing in the cup.
Head-to-Head
Leeds have the upper hand in recent encounters at Elland Road, winning three of their last four home meetings with Millwall, but the Lions will be encouraged by their 1-0 victory in the reverse league fixture earlier this season.
Betting
Leeds United 9/20
Draw 7/2
Millwall 13/2
Verdict
Leeds’ attacking quality and superb form make them the favourites for this clash, but at 9/20, I’ll be looking for better value. While they may have failed to score in the earlier league meeting between these sides, Leeds have consistently found the back of the net at Elland Road. In fact, they’ve scored two or more goals in their last four consecutive home meetings with Millwall. Averaging over 2 goals per game in the Championship at Elland Road, they should be able to repeat that feat and make light work of familiar foes Millwall in this FA Cup tie.
Suggested Bet: Leeds United Totals, Over 1.5 at 7/10
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SUNDAY
BLACKBURN ROVERS v WOLVERHAMPTON WANDERERS – Click here to bet
Blackburn Rovers and Wolverhampton Wanderers go head-to-head in the FA Cup fourth round at Ewood Park on Sunday, with both sides eager to progress in the competition. While Blackburn will relish the chance to test themselves against Premier League opposition, Wolves are looking to use this tie as a much-needed distraction from their domestic struggles.
Blackburn have been impressive this season, currently sitting 5th in the Championship as they push for a return to the top flight. John Eustace’s side booked their place in the fourth round with a hard-fought 1-0 victory away to Middlesbrough. They also returned to winning ways last weekend following a slump of three consecutive league defeats, securing a much-needed 2-1 victory over Preston North End at Ewood Park. With their home form proving to be a key factor in their promotion push, Rovers will be full of confidence heading into this clash.
Wolverhampton Wanderers, on the other hand, have endured a torrid run on the domestic front. Despite securing all three points against Aston Villa with a 2-0 victory at Molineux last weekend, Wolves remain on the cusp of a relegation battle, sitting 17th in the Premier League. Vítor Pereira’s side have struggled for consistency and will be desperate to avoid an upset against a high-flying Championship outfit. They secured their place in the fourth round with a 2-1 victory away to Bristol City, but with Premier League survival taking priority, it remains to be seen how seriously Wolves approach this encounter.
Head-to-Head
Draws have featured in the last three encounters between these sides, with Blackburn taking confidence from their most recent meeting at Ewood Park in 2017, a 1-1 draw that day.
Betting
Blackburn Rovers 4/1
Draw 28/10
Wolverhampton Wanderers 15/20
Verdict
Blackburn will be buzzing after getting back to winning ways last weekend and will fancy their chances of avoiding defeat here, especially at home. Wolves have shown signs of life, but with the pressure mounting in the Premier League, they might not be as focused on the cup. I expect a competitive match, with both teams likely to find the back of the net.
Suggested Bet: Both Teams to Score, Yes at 9/10
Click here for betting on all FA Cup matches
Note: All prices correct at the time of writing but are subject to change
