Our football expert brings you an exciting rundown of the FA Cup quarterfinal clashes kicking off on Saturday 17 March 2018.
This weekend’s FA Cup Quarter-Finals are set to thrill, with two nail-biting matches on Saturday and two more on Sunday. First up, Tottenham head to the Liberty Stadium to take on Swansea in the early kick-off, while Manchester United host Brighton in the evening at Old Trafford.
Sunday sees League One underdogs Wigan face Premier League challengers Southampton at the DW Stadium, and a heavyweight battle as Chelsea confront Leicester City at the King Power Stadium. Following their exit to Manchester City in the fifth round, Manchester United and Tottenham are joint favourites at 9/4 to claim the trophy.
Saturday 17 March
Swansea City 11/2
Draw 31/10
Tottenham 5/10
Swansea have only suffered two defeats in their last 16 games across all competitions under the guidance of Carlos Carvalhal, who took charge after Paul Clement’s departure in December. The Swans have been formidable at their Liberty Stadium, unbeaten in their last seven home matches, including hard-fought Premier League wins against Liverpool and Arsenal. Their FA Cup run included victories over Wolves, Notts County, and Sheffield Wednesday.
Tottenham arrive on the back of a commanding 4-1 Premier League win at Bournemouth, but face a setback without their talismanic striker Harry Kane, who is sidelined with an ankle injury. After bowing out of the Champions League, this prestigious cup is Spurs’ best shot at silverware this season. However, their away form in the FA Cup has been shaky, with draws against lower-league sides Newport County and Rochdale. Given Kane’s absence, the recommended bet is Both Teams to Score at 21/20.
Manchester United 3/10
Draw 39/10
Brighton 17/2
Manchester United are strong favourites on home soil against Brighton. Jose Mourinho’s squad is unbeaten in their last eight home games in all competitions, boasting six wins, five of them consecutive. Brighton gave a spirited performance during their last visit to Old Trafford in November, but Ashley Young’s deflected goal provided United the points.
Brighton enter this clash coming off a 2-0 defeat at Everton and have managed just one victory in their previous 10 away matches, including six losses and seven blanks. Backing a home win looks like the most sensible play.
Sunday 18 March
Wigan Athletic 49/20
Draw 22/10
Southampton 23/20
Having done the unthinkable by beating Manchester City at the Etihad, Wigan will confidently look to topple struggling Southampton. The Latics sit third in League One and have been rock solid at home, suffering just one defeat in their last 13 matches while keeping 10 cleansheets.
Southampton, recently parted with Mauricio Pellegrino, find themselves 17th in the Premier League, teetering just above the drop zone. They were hammered 3-0 by Newcastle last weekend. The smart play is backing Wigan on the Win/Draw Double Chance at 13/20.
Leicester City 24/10
Draw 49/20
Chelsea 21/20
Leicester earned much credit for a disciplined 0-0 draw with Chelsea at Stamford Bridge earlier this year – they arguably deserved to win, despite going down to 10 men when Ben Chilwell was sent off. Now at home, the Foxes will be eager to make their mark against the Premier League champions, who were last year’s FA Cup finalists. Still, Chelsea have enjoyed successes on their recent trips to King Power Stadium.
Leicester have drawn three of their last four home games, while Chelsea have endured four consecutive away defeats. With Olivier Giroud expected to lead the Blues’ attack after his electric display in Chelsea’s recent 4-0 FA Cup win over Hull City, Both Teams to Score at 7/10 is a solid bet. Additionally, a punt on Chelsea at 21/20 looks promising. Make your move!
QUAD @ 19/1
Swansea vs Tottenham BTTS 21/20
Man United Win 3/10
Wigan Win/Draw 49/20
Chelsea Win 21/20
