KevMac previews this weekend's four quarter-finals in the FA Cup.
Leicester City v Chelsea
BRENDAN RODGERS picked up every trophy he contested in Scotland as Celtic boss but the only bit of silverware he has lifted down south is the Championship play-off prize with Swansea.
He has the chance to change that this season in the FA Cup with Leicester but faces a tough quarter-final against Chelsea tomorrow afternoon.
The Foxes have looked off the pace since coming out of lockdown, drawing both their league games with struggling Watford and Brighton.
They were even lucky to take a point at home to the Seagulls in midweek, with Kasper Schmeichel saving a penalty. So the 33/20 on offer at Unibet for a Chelsea win looks good value, especially with no fans at the King Power.
The last three meetings between these sides have ended in draws while the Foxes are unbeaten in four against Chelsea. Another stalemate pays 12/5 with most firms but Frank Lampard’s side could just edge it.
It should be close as the last three wins for either side in this fixture have been by a one-goal margin. Betway price a one-goal winning margin for either team at 13/10 here and that is tempting.
Newcastle United v Manchester City
Holders Manchester City head the outright FA Cup betting at a best 17/20 with Unibet and shouldn’t have too much trouble seeing off Newcastle at an empty St James’ Park.
Pep Guardiola’s side have slipped up on their last two visits to Tyneside, drawing 2-2 in the league this season after a shock 1-0 loss there last term.
But the Toon Army are like a 12th man for their side and City should have too much class inside an empty stadium. The best price for a City win is a skinny 2/11 at 888Sport so you need to look elsewhere for value.
Doubling a win for Guardiola’s side with both teams to score pays 7/4 at Betfred and that could be worth a punt. Newcastle should be on the back foot for most of the game so try backing Javier Manquillo for a card at 9/2 with William Hill.
Sheffield United v Arsenal
When the draw was made a few people would have fancied Sheffield United to beat Arsenal. But the Blades have been dismal since coming out of cold storage, taking one point from three games and shipping six goals without getting on the scoresheet.
With home advantage no longer a factor, the Gunners look good value for a Bramall Lane win at 6/4 with Unibet.
Norwich City v Manchester United
Norwich’s clash with Manchester United looks like a mismatch, with the Reds unbeaten in 13 and the Canaries rock bottom. Try a United win to nil at 6/4 with Bet365.
Super Single
- One-goal winning margin for either side, Chelsea v Leicester City (13/10 Betway).
Deadly Double
- Arsenal and Manchester United to win (14/5, 888Sport)
I'm a sports journalist, football tipster and author from Dundee, who is now working in Glasgow. I've covered games at every level, from Junior football to internationals, and still love football even though it has clearly sold its soul. I've been in football tipping since 2018 with the MFT site.
