We take a look at both semi-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 have shortened to 6/10 favourites to successfully defend the cup, with Manchester United priced second-best at 9/4. Chelsea still remain 6/1, leaving Coventry City priced at 28/1
Click here for FA Cup outright betting
SATURDAY
MANCHESTER CITY v CHELSEA – Click here to bet
Defending champions Manchester City will have to bounce back after their midweek loss to Real Madrid, ending their dream of replicating the treble they achieved last season. With a double still at stake, the Citizens know they are just one game away from reaching their 13th FA Cup final in hopes of reclaiming it once again this year.
In the previous round, two deflected Bernardo Silva strikes were what separated Man City and Newcastle United, cementing their place in this year’s FA Cup semi-final with a comfortable 2-0 result. It was a significant milestone achieved by Man City, becoming the first team to reach six consecutive FA Cup semi-finals.
Road to the semi-final:
Manchester City 5-0 Huddersfield, Tottenham Hotspur 0-1 Manchester City, Luton Town 2-6 Manchester City, Manchester City 2-0 Newcastle United
Chelsea will have an opportunity to overthrow the current FA Cup holders, Man City, this Saturday at Wembley Stadium in the hopes of achieving some much-needed success this season under the guidance of Mauricio Pochettino. With Cole Palmer in the form of his life, Chelsea will have their best opportunity, having scored two hat-tricks in his last three appearances.
The Blues eventually emerged as comfortable 4-2 winners over Leicester City in the previous round, although they encountered some turbulence despite initially taking a 2-0 lead before halftime. Leicester fought back admirably, netting consecutive goals within an 11-minute span after the break. However, it was a pivotal red card that ultimately turned the tide, as Chelsea capitalized with two injury-time goals, dashing the hopes of numerous Leicester fans.
Road to the semi-final:
Chelsea 4-0 Preston, Chelsea 0-0 Aston Villa, Aston Villa 1-3 Chelsea (Replay), Chelsea 3-2 Leeds United, Chelsea 4-2 Leicester City
With both EPL encounters ending in draws between these two this season, this should be an intriguing game to watch. Chelsea’s path to the semi-final has been far more complicated
given their defensive frailties. Having averaged 5.1 goals per game, and with both teams usually contributing in their last eight performances, the Blues will need to address that, knowing how destructive Man City can be on their day. However, they do enter this massive clash off the back of an impressive 6-0 drubbing over league strugglers Everton. Man City thumped Chelsea 4-0 in last year’s FA Cup campaign, and with the Citizens still hurting after their recent Champions League exodus, things could certainly turn sour very quickly.
With Chelsea scoring for fun and Manchester City always a threat, two favoured markets emerge, listed in order of preference: Manchester City coming out on top, and both teams finding the net. The other preference involves a player in superb form at the moment, Cole Palmer.
Suggested Bets: (Totals And Both Team to Score, Over 2.5 and Yes at 9/10) (Anytime Goalscorer, Cole Palmer at 2/1)
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SUNDAY
COVENTRY CITY v MANCHESTER UNITED – Click here to bet
This Sunday, Coventry City travels to Wembley Stadium with the aim of continuing their run in the oldest football competition in the world. Having last reached the semi-finals in 1987, the Sky Blues will be hoping to progress one step further, knowing that Manchester United is all that stands in their way of reaching the finals.
Coventry City reached the semi-final for only the second time in the club’s history following a superb performance away to Wolves in the previous round. After taking the lead in the second half, the Championship team succumbed to Wolves’ pressure, conceding two goals in the last ten minutes. Trailing 2-1 deep into injury time, the Sky Blues pulled off the impossible, scoring two consecutive goals resulting in a 3-2 triumph, cementing their ticket to Wembley Stadium.
Road to the semi-final:
Coventry City 6-2 Oxford, Sheffield Wednesday 1-1 Coventry City, Coventry City 4-1 Sheffield Wednesday (Replay), Coventry City 5-0 Maidstone United, Wolves 2-3 Coventry City
On Sunday, Manchester United will play their 32nd FA Cup semi-final in this club’s rich history. Having progressed 21 times by reaching the finals, the Red Devils will look to extend that run in the hopes of obtaining much-needed silverware
The Red Devils secured their spot in the semi-final with a dramatic 4-3 win over Liverpool, requiring a 121st-minute winner from Amad Diallo. It was a day filled with drama, as on two separate occasions, it was Liverpool that looked destined to book their place in the next round. However, United’s never-say-die attitude saw them equalise in the 87th minute to make it 2-2 before going into extra time. They then trailed once again in the 105th minute, requiring a goal from Marcus Rashford in the 112th minute and a dramatic late goal from Diallo, sending the players and fans alike into raptures.
Road to the semi final:
Wigan Athletic 0-2 Manchester United, Newport County 2-4 Manchester United, Nottingham Forest 0-1 Manchester United, Manchester United 4-3 Liverpool
Fixtures involving the Sky Blues have certainly been entertaining to follow this season, given that last week’s 3-0 loss to Birmingham marked their 11th consecutive game in all competitions involving three goals or more. There will be concerns that they have now lost two consecutive Championship games leading up to this crucial tie, which is less than ideal when facing Premier League opposition. The Red Devils enter this game on the back of a 2-2 draw away to Bournemouth and will also be concerned over their defensive frailties entering this Sunday’s encounter, having conceded at least once in their last five appearances in all competitions.
The gap between Championship teams and the elite is slowly but surely closing and Coventry City should not be underestimated. On their day, they can certainly trouble top-flight teams, as shown in the previous round. While I fancy the Sky Blues to make a game of it, the Red Devils’ class should prevail in what should be an entertaining game contributed by both ends.
Suggested Bet: Result And Both Teams To Score, Manchester United And Yes at 7/4
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Note: All prices correct at the time of writing but are subject to change
