It’s back again. The most famous old trophy in world football is the prize this weekend as the final eight teams prepare to do battle.
The romance is still there, if there was any doubt, as five of the Premier League’s top six sides are joined by the first non-league team to make the quarter-finals in over 100 years; and a League One team, in fantastic giant-killing form, which has overturned betting tips to beat three top-flight teams. Arsenal and Manchester City are joint favourites to lift the Cup at betting odds of 4.00, but Lincoln and Millwall are still dreaming.
FA Cup Quarter-finals
Middlesbrough vs Manchester City
Is the FA Cup a welcome reprieve from league troubles or an unnecessary distraction for Boro, who find themselves in the bottom three with only four wins from 27 league matches? Meanwhile, they have advanced to the last eight of the Cup with narrow wins against Oxford and Accrington, but Aitor Karanka is the odds-on favourite to be the next manager axed. Manchester City seem to be hitting form just at the right time with Sergio Aguero and David Silva in scintillating form, so I think Aitor will be able to concentrate on league survival pretty soon.
Arsenal vs Lincoln City
The Imps have won five of their last six away games, including that stunning triumph at Burnley. If they managed to outmuscle the Clarets, then what can Arsenal expect? In Matt Rhead, Lincoln have a man mountain to bully the Gunners defence. And in games against the Championship pace-setters Brighton and Burnley, Lincoln scored four goals and conceded just one. So with a +3.00 handicap and odds of 1.87, the Imps may be worth another look.
Tottenham Hotspur vs Millwall FC
Neil Harris’ Millwall have already seen off Premier League Watford, Leicester and Bournemouth, without conceding a goal. In fact, the Lions went an incredible nine games without conceding, prior to a 2-1 win over MK Dons last weekend, as part of a 17-match unbeaten run. So can Mauricio Pochettino afford to rest his prolific striker Harry Kane?
Chelsea vs Manchester United
And the Cup curtain falls at Stamford Bridge where League Champions-elect Chelsea take on Champions League chasing Manchester United. Both would dearly love to progress to the last four in this competition. United’s distraction this week is in waiting to see how long Zlatan Ibrahimovic is banned for after his elbow attack at the weekend. Without the super Swede, United would be lost this year. Chelsea just keep on winning.
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Disclaimer: Odds are correct at time of publish.
