The FA Cup fourth round threw up quite a few interesting results to say the least, but the majority of the headlines were dominated by the big wins for the smaller sides. Many of the most impressive results in the cup were the replays earned by smaller sides, and they get their time in the spotlight in midweek, with the FA Cup replays getting under way ahead of the fifth round.
Next week is low on football action, so the FA Cup replays at least give us something to get stuck into. There are four games in total, with two of them being broadcast live, as the football season shows no signs of slowing down in 2015. While the games between the Davids and Goliaths of the football world are difficult to assess in terms of finding top value bets, we have a betting tip for each of the replays which should give you some great chances for profit.
Tuesday 4th February
Manchester United v Cambridge United (19:45) – Man United to win -3 handicap (6/4 with Bet365)
The biggest game of the replays has got to be Manchester United against Cambridge. That heroic effort by the League Two side in the first game has already earned them huge sums through prize and TV money, and they’re due a large part of the ticket sales for the replay as well. With the club’s coffers now well and truly full, the players can enjoy the game at Old Trafford, but do they have any chance of pulling off the shock of shocks?
United will be even more up for this competition than they were previously given that they’re now the highest placed side left in it. While they didn’t have the best of times against Cambridge in the first game, they should be able to run out comfortable winners in the game at Old Trafford. We’ve seen United draw to lower league opposition and win the replay with ease in the past, and that’s what is likely here. There isn’t too much value to be found on this game, but backing United with a -3 handicap is worth a look if you expect to see a heavy win for the Red Devils.
Sheffield United v Preston (19:45) – Sheffield United to win (7/5 with BetVictor)
Should Manchester United come through that replay, they face a trip to the winner of this match in the fifth round. They shared a 1-1 draw at Deepdale in the first game, and they both knocked out higher league opposition in the third round. Both of these League One sides will be hopeful of getting through this one, especially with the prospect of a big pay day for the winners against Manchester United, a game which is likely to be shown live.
While Preston are well above Sheffield United in the table, you’d have to make the Blades the favourites for this game. They’ve just reached the League Cup semi-finals, and they made the FA Cup semis last season. They’ve got great cup form, and they’re a difficult prospect to face at Bramall Lane. Given how they almost beat Spurs at home in midweek, a Sheffield United win is the tip here. They’re priced well above evens at the time of writing, and at that price with their recent cup record, this seems like very good value.
Fulham v Sunderland (19:45) – Sunderland to qualify (8/11 with Bet365)
Fulham’s draw at Sunderland completely fell under the radar due to the shocks of the fourth round, and probably due to a Sunderland draw not being a shock. They’ve drawn half of their league games so far, and seeing them draw with a side who were only recently relegated probably doesn’t surprise many. Even so, the Black Cats would have expected to advance when this draw was made, and they won’t enjoy all the extra travelling and the effects on their schedule. Despite that, with Premier League sides dropping like flies in this competition this season, Gus Poyet’s side have a reasonable chance of going far, if they can win here.
The reward for the victors is a trip to Bradford, who were the story of the fourth round. While this wouldn’t exactly be a glamour tie for them, the winners of this replay would be confident of beating the League One side and making the quarter finals. With Fulham mid-table in the Championship this season, this is probably a welcome distraction. They’re unlikely to be in the promotion or relegation races, so a cup run would be good for them. Despite that, we’re backing the Premier League side to show their class here, as they’re so hard to break down. It might take a little longer than normal time, but Sunderland to qualify is the tip here.
Wednesday 5th February 2015
Bolton v Liverpool (13:30) – Liverpool to win to nil (21/10 with BetVictor)
Not many gave Neil Lennon’s side a chance at Anfield on Saturday evening, but they held their own to come away with a 0-0 draw against Liverpool. It left their thin squad in pieces, which caused their 4-2 defeat by Rotherham on the following Tuesday. Despite this, in a one off game, the Trotters could still provide a shock here against the Reds. The main problem for them is scoring goals. With Ediur Gudjohnsen and Emile Heskey up front, a strike force with a combined age of 73, they’re not exactly blessed with pace or ingenuity up front.
Add to that how well Liverpool are playing now, shown by their performance in the League Cup semi-final in midweek, and this makes for a tough game for Bolton to come through. The FA Cup is now Liverpool’s only chance of getting to Wembley this season, and it’s hard to see them letting it slip here. Given their improved defence and determination to send Steven Gerrard out in glory, Liverpool should go quite far in this competition. Back them to get a win here, and to keep another clean sheet to boot.