The FA Cup returns to our screens this weekend and our in-house writer has selected a couple of matches that are definitely worth watching and betting on in the fourth round. While it seems like a straightforward set of fixtures, there are some big calls. So, without further delay, let’s get to it!
Saturday 25 January
Brentford 3/1
Draw 26/10
Leicester City 17/20
The first game on Saturday sees Leicester City face Championship promotion hopefuls Brentford at Griffin Park. Brendan Rodgers’ side are favourites to advance from this tie, but it won’t be easy against Thomas Frank’s men.
The Bees are fourth in the Championship table, six points behind table-toppers West Bromwich Albion. They’ve also won their last seven games at home, scoring 18 goals and conceded just three. The Foxes have suffered a dip in form over the last few weeks and I’m backing the London outfit to cause an upset.
Southampton 7/4
Draw 49/20
Tottenham 14/10
There’s an all-Premier League affair to look forward to on Saturday as Tottenham face Southampton at St Mary’s for the second time this month. Ralph Hasenhuttl got the better of Jose Mourinho when the sides met in the south coast on New Year’s Day as Danny Ings netted the only goal of the game.
Mourinho’s men have struggled to find their rhythm since their 2-0 home defeat against Chelsea before Christmas and the Saints will fancy their chances. I’m backing them to make a statement and knock Spurs out of the competition.
Hull City 5/1
Draw 34/10
Chelsea 9/20
Chelsea are favourites to progress to the next round when they visit Hull City at the KCOM Stadium on Saturday. The Tigers, sitting mid-table in the Championship, have a rotten record against Frank Lampard’s side. They have lost all of their last seven meetings, while they have not beaten the Blues in 15 attempts in all competitions, a run that dates back to 1988.
Their last meeting was in this competition in February 2018 when Chelsea were 4-0 winners in a fifth-round tie at Stamford Bridge. Willian netted a brace while Pedro and Olivier Giroud were also on target for the west London side that day. I’m expecting a comfortable win for Lampard’s side. For more value, back them on the (-1) Handicap at 23/20.
Sunday 26 January
Manchester City 1/10
Draw 8/1
Fulham 17/1
Defending champions Manchester City face Championship promotion hopefuls Fulham at the Etihad on Sunday. With their Premier League crown slipping away, City’s focus is now very much on cup competitions, and Pep Guardiola will go all out to pick up some silverware this season. The Champions League is the one they want most of all, of course, but the Citizens will certainly want to win the oldest cup competition in the world for a seventh time.
Fulham defeated Premier League side Aston Villa in the last round, but this is too big of a test for the Cottagers. I’m expecting a comfortable victory for the Citizens. If you’re looking for more value, I suggest taking the Home to Win to Nil market at 8/10.
Shrewsbury Town 57/10
Draw 38/10
Liverpool 4/10
Liverpool travel to Montgomery Waters Meadow to face League One outfit Shrewsbury Town on Sunday. The Reds knocked out bitter rivals Everton in the previous fixture, thanks to a solo goal by Curtis Jones in a team that was littered with members of the U23s’ squad.
It’s to be expected that Jurgen Klopp will name a similar side against the Shrews, with his priorities on the Premier League and Champions League. Still, you can back the Merseysiders to win this tie.
Monday 27 January
Bournemouth 29/10
Draw 26/10
Arsenal 17/20
Arsenal take on Bournemouth at the Vitality Stadium on Monday night. The north London side will be without captain and talisman Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang as he serves the final game of his suspension. The Cherries defence will be happy not to see Aubameyang on the pitch, but Mikel Arteta’s side still have enough firepower with Alexandre Lacazette, Nicolas Pepe and Gabriel Martinelli.
Bournemouth are struggling in the Premier League, sitting 19th in the table at the time of writing, with several of their first-team players out injured and Callum Wilson out of form. Back the Gunners to see off Eddie Howe’s side to advance to the next round.
TREBLE TIPPED @ 63/10
Chelsea (-1) Handicap 23/20
Man City – Home to win to Nil 8/10
Arsenal Win 17/20
