This weekend is split between the Premier League and FA Cup, as the knockout competition reaches the quarter final stage. While there’s little live action in the league, the big cup ties should more than make up for that. Five of the top six are playing in this weekend’s cup clashes, leaving Liverpool looking to make up some ground on the rest.
Manchester City were the last side to claim a place in the quarter finals, as Pep Guardiola has taken to the FA Cup with ease. They travel to Middlesbrough on Saturday, while Hull versus Swansea is the pick of the day’s league action. Liverpool host Burnley live on TV on Sunday, following Tottenham’s final cup clash at White Hart Lane. Ahead of those games we’ve picked out a betting tip on each, which you can see below.
Saturday 11th March 2016
Middlesbrough v Man City (12:45) – Manchester City to win to nil (13/10 with Coral)
Middlesbrough slipped into the relegation zone in the Premier League last weekend, following a disappointing loss at Stoke. After that, they can’t exactly afford to take a weekend off. Instead of a winnable game at home to bottom side Sunderland, Boro now take on Guardiola’s Man City in the FA Cup, which has made them outsiders for a place in the semi-finals. Can Aitor Karanka lead his men to a shock victory here? Their last home victory over Man City came back in 2008, and this is a very different team. Back then, Guardiola had just led Barca to the treble, now he’s aiming to bring silverware to the Etihad.
City have been very impressive in the cup, the only goal they’ve conceded was their surprise opener against Huddersfield in their replay. Before that, they’d kept a clean sheet in three straight matches, while they’ve racked up 13 goals in this competition so far. This should be a straightforward win for Guardiola’s side, especially since they’re facing the lowest scoring side in the top flight. We’re backing an away win to nil on Saturday, which is priced at 13/10 with Coral.
Hull v Swansea (15:00) – Hull to win (6/4 with BetFred)
There’s a huge relegation battle on Saturday, which is also a rematch from the FA Cup third round. Both of these sides have had a bounce since their new managers took control early this year. However, that’s only been enough for Swansea to climb out of the bottom three. Paul Clement has restored Swansea to their confident, possession based system of the past. The Welsh side have got a solid foundation, but will they be able to claim a result at the KCOM Stadium this weekend? Three points against the Tigers would lift Clement and his men clear of the drop.
Hull won at Swansea earlier in the season, as they made a flying start in the league. Things tailed off for them, but then Marco Silva lead them to a win over the Welsh side in the FA Cup. Their recent record against the Swans has been fantastic, winning the last three encounters. They’ve also managed to win five of their last six matches at home to Swansea, so we can’t see anything but a home win on Saturday. Silva’s side have missed a couple of opportunities to move up the table in recent weeks, but they have to take this chance. We’re backing them to take the points at 6/4 with Betfred.
Sunday 12th March 2016
Tottenham v Millwall (14:00) – Tottenham to win to nil (5/6 with BetVictor)
Tottenham face their final FA Cup game at White Hart Lane on Sunday, but can they book a return to their new home? They’ll be hoping to secure a return to Wembley, the ground which will become their full time home next season. First they have to deal with the visit of Millwall, which is probably more concerning to Spurs from a security point of view than them losing the game. Mauricio Pochettino has to target this competition, especially with their European campaign over and their title hopes looking slim. Could this be the Argentine’s first trophy at the club?
Spurs have been excellent at home this season, winning their last nine home league matches. They come into this game with one of the best defensive records in the Premier League, so they shouldn’t have much trouble against League One side Millwall. While the visits have recorded a few shock home wins, they’ll struggle to repeat that at White Hart Lane. Tottenham have won to nil in 64% of their home league matches, so we can see them winning with a clean sheet against lower league opposition. A home win to nil is priced at 5/6 with BetVictor.
Liverpool v Burnley (16:00) – Burnley to score (Evens with Betfair)
With the other top Premier League sides in cup action, this is a chance for Liverpool to strengthen their Champions League hopes. Can they claim three points against Burnley at Anfield? The Reds lost at Turf Moor earlier this season, but plenty of sides have slipped up when playing away to the Clarets. Burnley’s away form is a completely different story, as they have the worst record in the league on their travels. Can they avoid another loss on the road when they visit Anfield?
Burnley have a chance, because Liverpool’s only league wins this season have been against the top teams. The Reds tend to struggle in matches against smaller sides. On top of that, the Clarets are in excellent scoring form on their travels. They’ve now scored in six straight away matches, and that record can continue at Anfield. Jurgen Klopp’s men have kept one clean sheet in their last eight games, so we’re backing the visitors to get a goal on Sunday. Betfair price a goal for the Clarets at evens, with Sean Dyche’s men looking impressive going forward right now.