Saturday FA Cup Preview, Betting, Odds and Tips
7th March, 2008
Man Utd v Portsmouth
Sky Sports 1: 12:45pm
To kick off the FA Cup quarter finals, we have the only all Premiership fixture with Man Utd v Portsmouth at Old Trafford. These two sides have played each other twice this season, and both times Ronaldo has been the centre of attention; being sent off in the first meeting and scoring two fantastic goals in the second game at Old Trafford. Don’t bet against Ronaldo running this game either. United really stated their intent in this competition in the last round, where they demolished arch rivals Arsenal 4-0. The African Cup of Nations has really affected Portsmouth, as they had key squad players missing, their top 6 rivals have been able to capitalise, leading to Portsmouth dropping away from the coveted European place. Harry Redknapp will view the FA Cup as a realistic route into Europe, so you can bet that Portsmouth will go all out at Old Trafford.
With United at home and in devastating form this season, bookies have priced them as favourites for this match, with Better Bet offering the best odds of 4/11 on a home win, while Portsmouth have been priced at 10/1 (VC Bet) to upset the rulebook and progress to the semis.
Go to our sports betting tips page for Man Utd v Portsmouth tips.
Barnsley v Chelsea
BBC 1: 5:30pm
This match has a real David vs. Goliath feel to it, with Championship side Barnsley’s entire squad costing £10m less then Michael Essien alone. However, Barnsley have already defied the odds once in this competition, having beaten European champions Liverpool at Anfield, a tremendous achievement for any team. Although Chelsea are still in contention for all competitions, Avram Grant will view the FA Cup as Chelsea most ‘winnable’ trophy, especially in atoning for their Carling Cup Final defeat to Tottenham. Chelsea also come off two impressive performances, where they have score seven goals and conceded none. On paper Barnsley look to have little chance of progression, but with the magic of the FA Cup, anything can happen.
Considering the gulf in class between these two teams, bookmakers have placed Chelsea as favourites, pricing them at 7/20 (Sporting Bet) to get the away win, while VC Bet have the best odds on Barnsley at 13/1 to beat the odds and pull off a tremendous victory.
Go to our sports betting tips page for Barnsley v Chelsea tips.
