FA Cup action continues this weekend as we head into the Quarter Final stage of the tournament. Every game over the weekend features at least one of England’s ‘Big Six’ clubs, with the round culminating in a massive showdown between Chelsea and Manchester United on Tuesday morning (AEDT). We preview and give our tips for every game below.
FA Cup Quarter Finals Betting Tips
Middlesbrough vs Manchester City (Saturday 11.15pm AEDT)
This matchup represents 1 of 2 games that features two EPL teams, even though this one might not seem like it on the day. Middlesbrough have been struggling mightily in the Premier League lately, going winless through their last ten matches. Manchester City on the other hand have been in scintillating form and just dispatched their Round of 16 opponents Huddersfield 5-1 on Thursday morning.
If form is anything to go by, which it often isn’t in the FA Cup, Manchester should come away with a win here. The one thing that Middlesbrough does boast is a pretty strong defence. Their 30 goals allowed in the Premier League this season is the lowest of any team outside the top 7. Their problem is that they can’t apply any scoreboard pressure whatsoever, with just 19 goals on the season so far. With a solid defence, Man City should only have to put one on the board to advance to the Semi Finals, and we think Middlesbrough could hold out for a low scoring loss.
TIP: Middlesbrough +2 - $1.62 at bet365
Arsenal vs Lincoln City (Sunday 4.30am AEDT)
It doesn’t take a footballing expert to notice the mismatches in the next two games on offer, the first of which is Arsenal coming up against Lincoln City, who reside in the 5th tier of English Football, the National League. Credit to them, they are 1st on the National League table by 6 points so a promotion is clearly in sight for them, but playing against Arsenal at Emirates Stadium will be a whole different kettle of fish to the Lincolners.
If you can take some solace from it, the last time these two teams played each other, Lincoln actually claimed a 1-0 win, however, there might have been some change in form since that meeting in 1915. Lincoln are the first non-league side (outside the top 4 leagues) to make it to the Quarter Final stage since QPR in 1911, so it would be an absolute Cinderella story for them to continue any further. We’ve seen soccer all around the world produce some interesting results over the last few years, including a $1001-1 underdog win last year’s EPL. There’s absolutely no value in Arsenal here so if you’re looking for some fun back Lincoln and get right behind the $30 underdog.
TIP: No Bet
Tottenham vs Millwall (Monday 1am AEDT)
A slightly less one sided affair will headline Monday’s soccer action as Tottenham take on League One (third tier) club Millwall. As opposed to their great run in the FA Cup, Millwall haven’t been dominating League One, sitting just 6th on the table, a whopping 14 points behind ladder leaders Sheffield United. Millwall have risen as far as the Championship (second tier) in their history, most recently spending 5 seasons there from 2010-15 before being relegated a few years back. They’ll have their work cut out for them here as they take on perennial EPL contenders.
Tottenham’s form of late is equal to that of the best in the Premier League, with 7 wins and just 1 loss over their last 10 games. Striker Harry Kane is having another unbelievable season, putting up 17 goals so far, this campaign. All things going to plan, Tottenham should win this one comfortably. However, be aware, they will still fancy themselves a massive chance for the EPL title, and the FA Cup usually throws up one massive upset per round.
TIP: Harry Kane first Tottenham player to score - $2.75 at Sportsbet
Chelsea vs Manchester United (Tuesday 6.45am AEDT)
Although Chelsea have quietened down a little bit lately with a few draws and a loss to Liverpool amongst its last few game, the fact of the matter is they are still 7-2-1 over their last ten games and a massive 10 points clear on top of the EPL table. It’s hard to bet against them in any game, especially one at Stamford Bridge, where they have a ridiculous 12-0-1 record this year.
After being the hottest team in the league a few weeks ago, the Red Devils have really fallen away over the last month with draws to Stoke, Hull and Bouremouth. Although they aren’t getting beaten, those are teams you have to beat if you want to be respected as a top premier league side, and their 6-4-0 record over the last 10 weeks won’t cut it. They are, however, the only side with any silverware in the Premier League this year, and if there’s one thing we know about Jose Mourinho it’s that he’s a winner. Don’t be surprised if he pulls something out against his old side here, but at home, you can’t tip against Chelsea.
TIP: Chelsea to win - $1.83 at Sporstbet
Take note: Any of the tips in this article are simply the author’s opinion, so bet at your own risk and always gamble responsibly. Also be sure to check out the Before You Bet Twitter Page for all our thoughts in the lead up to bets! Happy punting!
