Saturday’s football tips: Forest overpriced at 15/8 for FA Cup semi-final slot after Brighton rout

The FA Cup quarter-finals get underway today and the pick of the two ties sees Brighton and Hove Albion host Nottingham Forest.

The Seagulls are out for revenge after a 7-0 thrashing at the City Ground when these sides last faced off in the Premier League at the start of February.

Fabian Hurzeler's men haven't lost since then so they will be confident of banishing those demons by knocking Forest out.

But Nuno Espirito Santo's side are flying and will fancy their chances after such a comprehensive win over Brighton last time out.

Brighton and Hove Albion vs Nottingham Forest top betting tips

The bookies reckon home advantage will be key in this cup tie as BoyleSports make Brighton 4/11 hot favourites to reach the semis with Forest 15/8 outsiders.

Those odds seem a bit off based on the last meeting and the fact Forest's counter-attacking style is suited to playing against an opponent like the Seagulls.

So Forest could be worth a punt to go through, while backing them in the double chance is a little safer at evens.

Brighton won 9-1 on the corner count when Brighton last came calling and that stat was even in their favour by 6-4 in the 7-0 thrashing back in February.

So the 23/20 on offer at BoyleSports for Brighton -2.5 in the corner handicap looks like the best value in this cup tie.

Fulham vs Crystal Palace top betting tips

The other FA Cup quarter-final tie today is a London derby and it's a tough one to call as Crystal Palace visit Fulham.

The Cottagers are 4/6 favourites at BoyleSports to go through but Palace have won their last five away games, including a 2-0 Premier League victory at Fulham.

So they could be worth a punt to reach the semis at 11/10, while the odds increase to 2/1 if you back them to win inside 90 minutes.

Eagles striker Jean-Philippe Mateta suffered a sickening head injury in the last round of the Cup but could make his return today wearing a protective mask.

He's 2/1 to mark his return with a goal but I'm more drawn to the 11/10 on offer at BoyleSports for fellow forward Ismaila Sarr to have a shot on target.

We could see a few cards with a place in the semis up for grabs and a double on Sander Berge and Jefferson Lerma going into the book pays 12/1 at BoyleSports.

Celtic vs Heart of Midlothian top betting tips

Celtic have had a long time to stew over their derby defeat by Rangers and it will be interesting to see how they respond when Hearts come calling today.

That 3-2 loss to their bitter rivals is unlikely to have any bearing on the title race, with the Hoops still 13 points clear at the top of the Premiership.

But the Jambos will have taken heart from how much pressure Gers put Celtic's defence under and the champions could be a little vulnerable today after the international break.

Keeper Kasper Schmeichel is sidelined with injury while the likes of Cameron Carter-Vickers, Alistair Johnston, Reo Hatate and Daizen Maeda may be a little weary after long-haul flights on international duty.

So I fancy Hearts to score at Celtic Park and combining BTTS with over 2.5 goals pays 21/20 at BoyleSports.

Neil Critchley's side have picked up just two cards in their last four games while the Hoops have only one yellow from their last three outings. So I'm going to bet against both sides getting card at 5/4 with Bet365.

Saturday's Super Singles

• Brighton -2.5 corner handicap 23/20 BoyleSports
• Isamaila Sarr over 0/5 shots on target 11/10 BoyleSports
• BTTS and over 2.5 goals in Celtic v Hearts 21/20 BoyleSports.

Long shot

• Jefferson Lerma and Sander Berge to be carded 12/1 BoyleSports

Upcoming match previews and betting tips

• Sat 12:15 Fulham v Crystal Palace
• Sat 14:30 Bayern Munich vs St Pauli
• Sat 15:00 Celtic vs Hearts
• Sat 15:00 Hibernian vs St Johnstone
• Sat 15:00 Aberdeen vs Motherwell
• Sat 15:00 St Mirren vs Kilmarnock
• Sat 17:00 Juventus vs Genoa
• Sat 17:15 Brighton and Hove Albion vs Nottingham Forest
• Sat 17:30 Dundee v Rangers
• Sat 20:00 Real Madrid vs Leganes 
• Mark Walker’s Scottish Football Tips: Peterhead heading for glory
• Football Bet of the Day: Back both teams to bag at Carrow Road on Saturday
• Desmond’s Goals Tips: BTTS, To Score 2+, Over 2.5 Goals and 60/1 Goals Acca Tips

Racing tips

Cairnzy's back in the saddle today and has picked out some horses to watch at the Curragh and Kempton.

• Saturday’s Racing Tips – Camille Pissarro will enjoy the soft ground at the Curragh

As always, leave your own comments and tips below.

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