FA Cup Final – Odds and Betting Preview
16th May, 2008
The romance of the FA Cup has returned – the first FA Cup Final without one of the ‘big four’ since 1991 will be contested tomorrow by Portsmouth and Cardiff City. It is all the more special because Cardiff will be representing the Championship, whilst Portsmouth have had a decent Premier League campaign this season.
It has been an excellent season for the FA Cup with a number of upsets, most memorably Barnsley’s progression to the semi finals after beating Liverpool then Chelsea. They were eventually knocked out by Cardiff. Portsmouth did not have it easy, having to beat Manchester United on the way to the final.
Looking at the match from a betting perspective, we cannot take much from recent league form. Once Portsmouth were out of the running for the UEFA Cup spot in the Premier League, their form disappeared and they lost their final four games scoring only a single goal. Similarly Cardiff were out of the running for any promotion push with a few weeks to go, and they managed a couple of wins in their final six games.
The Premier League side have been chalked up as convincing favourites to lift the trophy at 1/3, whilst Cardiff could represent some value at 5/2. VC Bet are giving the best odds of a Cardiff win in 90 minutes at 22/5, which may be a popular bet. Bet 365 make Portsmouth 4/5 to win it in normal time, also seemingly tempting. The draw can be grabbed for 53/20.
The match is likely to be completely different to the Champions League Cup final on Wednesday, with a more open style expected, and hopefully, lots of goals. Over 2.5 goals at 7/5 seems more attractive than the 4/6 for unders. VC Bet’s offer of 7/2 for over 3.5 goals may even be an option.
Our tipster recommends backing the following: Back draw half time / draw full-time, 2-2 correct score and Portsmouth to win in extra time. Back Joe Ledley to score anytime goal.
Whatever you choose to back, our odds comparison service will give you the best odds for each market, and therefore more profits! Don’t miss out on the extra cash for 30 seconds work.
Enjoy the game and good luck!
By Chris M
