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Football returns this weekend after what feels like the longest international break of all time. We have four fantastic looking FA Cup fixtures ahead as we reach the Quarter-Final of the most prestigious English trophy. Fulham host Crystal Palace in the early kick-off at Craven Cottage, with Nottingham Forest travelling to the Amex Stadium to fight it out with Brighton for a spot at Wembley. On Sunday afternoon, Aston Villa travel to the lowest ranked side still in the competition, Preston. Bournemouth then host Manchester City in the later kick-off.
We have a nice looking four-fold that we believe has a great chance at a nice price.
Fulham v Crystal Palace – Both Teams to Score
Brighton v Nottingham Forest – Both Teams to Score
Preston v Aston Villa – Aston Villa to win
Bournemouth v Manchester City – Man City to win
All odds were correct at the time of writing, but are subject to change
Fulham v Crystal Palace – Both Teams to Score
What a tie we have here to kick-start the FA Cup weekend. Fulham host high-flying Crystal Palace in a repeat of last month’s fixture that Palace won 2-0. Fulham have won seven of their last nine matches, including their victory over Manchester United in the previous round on penalties after 120 minutes. Palace have lost just two games this calendar year and have won their last five away games 2-0.
Fulham are the favourites to progress with their home advantage but given Palace’s away form and their recent victory at Craven Cottage, I wouldn’t bet against Palace progressing here. Fulham should be high on confidence after their 2-0 comfortable win over London rivals Tottenham before the international break. We have gone for both teams to score at 10/11 as both sides will be desperate for a place in the Semi-Final and a trip to Wembley.
Brighton v Nottingham Forest – Both Teams to Score
Brighton are unbeaten in their last seven games, In a run which included Man City, Newcastle, Chelsea twice, Bournemouth and Fulham. They are one of the most inform sides in the league currently. Nottingham Forest have been the surprise factor in the league this season and look certain to be playing European football next season.
It wasn’t so long ago these sides met at the City Ground in what turned out to be a freak game that finished Forest 7-0 Brighton, despite being a fairly even game statistically.
Brighton have an excellent home record this calendar year and have found a way to break teams down and are scoring a lot of goals. Nottingham Forest are unbelievably clinical and have a way of soaking up pressure and scoring on the counter-attack.
Both teams to score looks the best option here at 4/6.
Preston v Aston Villa – Aston Villa to win
Preston are the lowest ranked side in the competition but qualified in spectacular style, beating rivals Burnley 3-0. Aston Villa have knocked out Tottenham, West Ham and Cardiff and have found some consistency of late. They are in the Quarter-Final of the Champions League and the FA Cup, but realistically, the FA Cup could be the best route to them qualifying for at least the Europa League next season. Emery will be desperate to win here and to chase his first Aston Villa trophy.
Villa have had 2.5 weeks off to prepare for this and should be well rested. Emery is expected to name a full-strength side here other than Ollie Watkins who is a doubt, but a huge opportunity for January signing Donyell Malen.
Aston Villa should get the job done here with the squad they have available and a spot in the semi-final at stake. We are taking the win in 90 minutes at 4/9.
Bournemouth v Manchester City – Man City to win
Bournemouth host Manchester City at the Vitality Stadium in the last of the Quarter-Finals. Bournemouth were flying but seem to have lost momentum as the season approaches the final stages as they fight for a European spot. They haven’t won in five games but did knock Wolves out on penalties in the previous round.
Manchester City have had a bizarre season and find themselves out of the Champions League and the Premier League title race. They have to win the FA Cup and qualify for the Champions League now for this to not be considered a disaster season and to continue to compete financially, European football is essential. They appeared to have turned their season around but then lost away at Nottingham Forest and were lucky to draw at home to Brighton before a perfectly timed International break.
Manchester City are expected to be close to full strength here and have a couple of weeks to prepare for this match. Bournemouth appear to have lost their momentum and the quality in the City side should be too much here. Manchester City to win in 90 minutes is excellently priced at 13/10 in our opinion and worth a place in our FA Cup accumulator.
