FA Cup match predictions and betting odds

The first kick off is the game between Chelsea v Brentford. The Blues slipped up in the first leg drawing 2-2 away at Griffin Park. Most of us all like to see the underdogs win but when money is riding on it, we have to assume a Chelsea win against League 1 opponents. Chelsea have plenty of goal scoring players with the likes of Ba, Mata, Oscar and Lampard and therefore I can only foresee a comfortable victory in this game. Go for Chelsea -2 on the handicap, paying around evens.

Next up, Manchester City v Leeds United. Similarly to the Chelsea game, a home win is expected here, although Manchester City have not been convincing in recent games and Leeds may prove a challenge after they come in to round with a 2-1 victory against Tottenham.

Manchester City’s manager Roberto Mancini will know the chances of a second consecutive Premiership title are very slim after falling twelve points behind Manchester United last weekend. Therefore, the FA cup may be his only real chance of gaining silverware this season and he will be playing a strong team against Leeds.

Despite City’s recent form I am selecting them to win by at least a two goal margin. Leed’s struggle to keep sheets and have conceded in their last eight games. Considering that Manchester City are playing Championship opponents and have the home advantage, this should be a recipe for them scoring a few goals.

The final game in the FA cup is between Huddersfield v Wigan. The Terriers appointed Mark Robins on Thursday, which appears a shrewd appointment based on his short term impact he had at Coventry this season. Managers tend to have a more positive impact more times than not in their first game in charge and with the home advantage, I can certainly see them managing a goal.

Wigan will be playing a strong side as they have done so far in FA cup. They have managed a goal in their last eight away games and I expect they can score past a Huddersfield side who are of course the division below them. I favour both teams to score in this one at 8/11.

Finally, focusing on the only game in the Premiership this afternoon: Liverpool v Swansea. The Red’s have lost their last two games 2-0 however prior to that they were unlucky not gain all three points both away to Manchester City and Arsenal, drawing both those games 2-2. Furthermore, their home form generally has been good with them winning their last three out of four.

Swansea have established themselves as tough Premiership opposition. However, they generally pick up the majority of their points at home with their recent away form has let them down. They have failed to score in five of their last six away from home in the Premier League and I cannot see Liverpool failing to score for the third game in a row. With this in mind and considering that prior to Liverpool’s last home game they won their games: 5-0, 3-0 and 4-0; I fancy a Liverpool victory in this game.

Recommendations:
Chelsea v Brentford – Chelsea -2 1/1
Manchester City v Leeds – Manchester City -1 1/2
Huddersfield v Wigan – both teams to score 8/11
Liverpool v Swansea – Liverpool win 4/7

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