Our savvy football pundit brings you an exciting preview of the FA Cup’s fourth round fixtures, spotlighting the Premier League’s top contenders kicking off on Friday, 26 January 2018.
The defending champions Arsenal shocked fans by bowing out after a 4-2 defeat to Nottingham Forest, a second-tier team, so this season promises a fresh champion crowned in this prestigious tournament. Let’s break down how the Premier League heavyweights are expected to perform in the upcoming fourth-round clashes this week.
Friday 26 January
Yeovil Town 17/1 | Draw 13/2 | Manchester United 1/8
Manchester United, the giants aiming for their 13th FA Cup title, visit League Two’s Yeovil Town, the lowest-ranked team still standing, on Friday night. United are clear favourites to advance to round five.
This encounter marks the second duel between these clubs in three years. Their last meeting was in January 2015 when United clinched a 2-0 victory in the third round under Louis van Gaal. Now, Mourinho’s men are on a four-match winning streak and are tipped to be too powerful for the Glovers. Consider backing United on the (-1) Handicap at 4/10 for a smart play.
Saturday 27 January
Newport County 13/1 | Draw 6/1 | Tottenham 1/6
Tottenham, eight-time FA Cup champions, travel to face League Two’s Newport County on Saturday evening. Spurs are expected to dominate, especially after Mauricio Pochettino showed intent by fielding a strong squad in the 3-0 third round victory against Wimbledon as they hunt their first major trophy in a decade.
Newport County, who stunned Championship side Leeds 2-1, will hope to create another upset. However, Spurs’ superior quality should see them comfortably leading at half-time with odds at 5/10.
Liverpool 3/10 | Draw 9/2 | West Brom 17/2
Liverpool, with seven FA Cup wins, host Premier League rivals West Brom. Historically, they’ve met 10 times in the tournament, with the Reds winning three, West Brom four, and three draws.
Last month at Anfield, Klopp’s side was held to a 0-0 draw by the Baggies in league action. Since then, Liverpool have racked up four consecutive home wins and look set to oust West Brom this weekend. Boost your bet by choosing Liverpool to win & under 3.5 goals at 7/10.
Sunday 28 January
Chelsea 4/10 | Draw 36/10 | Newcastle 6/1
Chelsea, last season’s finalists, welcome Newcastle and former coach Rafa Benitez to Stamford Bridge in a Premier League showdown on Sunday. Newcastle’s track record at Stamford Bridge is poor, with Chelsea winning their last five contests and outscoring them 15-2.
The two met last month in the league, with Eden Hazard scoring twice to lead Chelsea to a 3-1 victory. Hazard was outstanding again in Chelsea’s 4-0 win at Brighton last weekend. A confident pick is the Blues to win on the (-1) Handicap at attractive odds of 19/20.
Cardiff City 8/1 | Draw 9/2 | Manchester City 3/10
Premier League leaders Manchester City take on Championship side Cardiff City in South Wales on Sunday. The Bluebirds, currently third in the Championship, struggled for a win with a 0-0 draw against 17th-placed Sheffield Wednesday last weekend, while City’s Sergio Aguero grabbed a hat-trick in their 3-1 win over Newcastle.
Expect a confident away victory for City in this clash.
MULTIPLE @ 8/1
Man United (-1) Handicap 4/10
Tottenham HT Win 5/10
Liverpool Win & Under 3.5 Goals 7/10
Chelsea (-1) Handicap 19/20
Man City Win 3/10
