There may only be four Premier League matches this weekend, but we’re firmly focused on this weekend’s FA Cup quarter-finals. There are four huge ties in the world’s oldest cup competition, which could define seasons for the top flight’s Champions League drop outs. With City running away with the title, there’s an opening to lift the cup at Wembley, which could be a boost for the managers who are struggling to match Pep Guardiola’s exploits.
The weekend’s one live Premier League match comes at Anfield on Saturday evening, and that’s followed by a late kick-off in the FA Cup as Man United host Brighton. Sunday’s cup double header is untroubled by league action, with Southampton facing a difficult trip to Wigan and Chelsea heading for Leicester. Ahead of the live games in league and cup, we have a few betting tips for you to take a look at.
Saturday 17th March 2018
Liverpool v Watford (17:30) – Liverpool to win to nil (10/11 with Ladbrokes)
Liverpool’s clash with Watford is the focus on the Premier League front this weekend, and they are heavy favourites to see off the Hornets. Liverpool are making great progress on two fronts this term, but they’ll be desperate to return to form after last week’s loss. Having claimed 2.2 points per home game this term, we expect the Reds to extend their unbeaten record at Anfield when they take on Javi Gracia’s team on Saturday evening. However, just how comfortable will that win be?
Watford have less than a point per game on the road, which is incredible given that they made an excellent start on the road this term. Marco Silva’s team were tough travellers, but they’re a shadow of that now. Most of their away goals came on Silva’s watch, with five straight trips without a goal leaving them in trouble ahead of this meeting with one of the league’s best home defensive records. We expect Liverpool to dominate the game and restrict chances for the Hornets, so a home win to nil is our tip for this one, which can be backed at 10/11 with Ladbrokes this weekend.
Man United v Brighton (19:45) – Under 2.5 Goals (11/10 with Coral)
Victories to nil have taken Man United through their opening two FA Cup matches, and this outing against Brighton is likely to go the same way. Jose Mourinho will want a response to their Champions League exit, but it won’t be the reply United fans expect. While they want attacking football after a dour midweek affair, the Portuguese coach will be demanding an improvement at the back, with United looking sloppy defensively; something Mourinho just will not tolerate.
Tightening up a conservative side for an FA Cup clash with Brighton might be the dullest tactical tweak in recent history, but it’s typical Mourinho. This also plays in to another Mourinho approach, claiming easy victories. Shutting out a side who have averaged 0.47 goals per game on the road in the Premier League isn’t huge, but it’s an attainable target for Mourinho to quickly answer back his critics. The only concern for United’s muddled attack is that Brighton are a solid side, they’ve got a better than average defensive record on their travels, and as a result we’re going with under 2.5 goals at 11/10 with Coral.
Sunday 18th March 2018
Wigan v Southampton (13:30) – Wigan Draw No Bet (6/4 with Betfair)
Southampton sacked Mauricio Pellegrino on Monday, with their worrying league position the main issue. However, they have a tricky start to life without him, with a trip to Wigan coming up on Sunday. Facing third tier opposition might be a strong way to start most managerial reigns, but heading to Wigan is a difficult one. While winning away to the League One side isn’t exactly a huge achievement given the resource gap between the two outfits, there are real reasons to worry for the Saints head of this clash.
Wigan have dumped out Bournemouth, West Ham and Man City in the cup this term. Not only have the 2013 winners been competitive in this tournament in recent years, but they’ve got to have so much confidence going into this game. With the Saints a place outside the drop zone, morale there is low and they have to be concerned about an upset. Given the calibre of Wigan’s cup wins this term, we think it’s worth backing the hosts on the Draw No Bet market, as Betfair’s price of 6/4 looks a little too big in our eyes.
Leicester v Chelsea (16:30) – Both Teams to Score (7/10 with Coral)
While Man City are out of the FA Cup, the last three Premier League champions are represented in the final cup tie of the weekend. Leicester are out for more silverware, following their incredible title win and their Champions League run last term. Meanwhile, Chelsea have to improve their poor season, and going one better in the FA Cup seems like a good way to do that. While it would boost Antonio Conte’s record in knockout competitions, the Italian should be concerned with Leicester’s record ahead of this game. Can the visitors secure a win at the King Power?
Having averaged close to two goals per game on the road in the top flight, we have little doubt that the Blues will rack up a goal or two in this one. However, Leicester have Jamie Vardy and Riyad Mahrez linking up well. The Foxes have scored in all but two of their home league matches, having found the net against four of the top five here. With the Blues conceding in all of their trips to top half sides bar one, we’re backing both teams to score here. You can back BTTS at nice odds of 7/10 in this clash, which seems like value to us.