FA Cup Fourth Round betting preview

January 24, 2008

Mansfield Town v Middlesbrough – Live on BBC 1, k/o 12:30pm

The weekend’s FA Cup action kicks off with League Two minnowers Mansfield taking on Middlesbrough at the Field Mill stadium. Mansfield have had a great run in the FA Cup this season following wins over Lewes, Harrogate and Brighton to set up this exciting fourth round tie. Saturday’s clash will be the first meeting between the two clubs for more than 20 years and only their second encounter in the FA Cup. Middlesbrough were victorious in their last league meeting in 1987 at Ayresome Park in the old third division, while Mansfield ran out winners in their only FA Cup meeting to date 2-0 at Field Mill back in 1966. With no less than 78 places between these two sides, the gulf in class should be too much to handle for Mansfield, however, the magic of the FA Cup can always spring a few surprises. As you would expect, Boro have been priced as favourites for this match, with VC Bet offering 2/5 on a win for the Premiership side, while bookies have given Mansfield an outside chance of 6/1 (Better) to make it through to the next round.

BGbet are offering to refund all losing first goalscorer bets on Mansfield v Middlesbrough if Stewart Downing scores at anytime in this match.

Wigan v Chelsea – Live on BBC 1, k/o 5:15pm

Clearly the FA Cup will not rate highly on the list of priorities for the Latics this season with the relegation battle more important for the club. However, Chelsea are a big obstacle to face, especially considering that Blues boss Avram Grant is likely to rate the FA Cup as a very worthwhile competition given his desire to bring trophies to Stamford Bridge. Wigan have not got so much as a draw against Chelsea in recent years but matches against the Blues are always entertaining and keep supporters on the edges of their seats. Considering Chelsea’s consistency this season, bookmakers have priced them as favourites, with centrebet offering 8/15 on an away win for the Blues, whereas Wigan have been given odds of 4/1 (Better) to produce a big shock and progress to the next round.

Wigan to Win	5/1	vcbet
Draw	11/4	centrebet
Chelsea to Win	5/4	Better

BGbet are offering to refund all losing first goalscorer bets on Wigan v Chelsea if Joe Cole scores at anytime in this match.

Man Utd v Tottenham – Live on BBC 1, k/o 2:00pm

Tottenham go into this match with confidence riding high after the 5-1 drubbing of fierce rivals Arsenal in the Carling Cup, a display that shows all the positives of Juande Ramos’ revitalised side. However, travelling to Old Trafford is never a desired trip, especially when United are in their current form. With the likes of Ronaldo, Rooney and Tevez in red-hot form this season, the Tottenham defence are in for a torrid time. With both sides in winning form, expect this to be a highly contested and entertaining game of football. Considering United’s consistency this season, bookmakers have priced them as favourites, with Better offering 2/5 on an home win, whereas Tottenham have been given odds of 13/2 (vcbet) to get all 3 points.

BGbet are offering to refund all losing first goalscorer bets on Man Utd v Tottenham if Ryan Giggs scores at anytime in this match.

Sheffield Utd v Man City– Live on Sky Sports 1, k/o 4:00pm

Since being relegated on the final game of last season, Sheffield Utd have been a massive disappointment, languishing at 14th place in the Championship. Bryan Robson’s team desperately need a result to not only boost morale, but also to quell supporter discontent; however this will be extremely difficult against an impressive Man City. Sven’s City side have been fantastic this season, having surprised both supporters and critics with their exciting and attacking football during the campaign. The FA Cup is of major significance to City as this presents their only meaningful chance of silverware this season. As such, bookmakers have placed Man City as favourites, pricing them at 11/10 (vcbet) to win, while centrebet have priced Sheffield Utd at 3/1 to reinstall some pride for the Blades.

BGbet are offering to refund all losing correct score bets on Sheffield Utd v Man City match if the game finishes 0-0.