FA Cup Quarter-Final previews
Eight teams remain in the 2020-21 FA Cup ranging from Premier League leaders down to Championship promotion hopefuls Bournemouth.The action takes place in the penultimate weekend of March to reach next month’s semi-finals with the ultimate goal of reaching May’s final at Wembley Stadium.It is little surprise that Pep Guardiola’s side are the favourites to lift the trophy this season, with indiabetting.co.in quoting best odds of 11/8 heading into the next round of matches.Here’s a look at the quarter-final ties:
Bournemouth vs Southampton
The action kicks off on Saturday 20 March with a south coast derby at the Vitality Stadium as Bournemouth host Southampton.Currently sitting seventh in the Championship, the Cherries are looking to at least secure a playoff spot this season following their relegation from the Premier League last May.Bournemouth were 2-0 winners away to Burnley in the previous around, having already beaten Oldham Athletic and Crawley town in this season’s competition.Southampton are currently down in 14th in the Premier League following an awful run of games that saw them lose eight of nine (D1) before winning away to Sheffield United. The Saints have seen off Shrewsbury Town, Arsenal and Wolverhampton Wanderers to reach this stage and will head into this tie as favourites.
Everton vs Manchester City
Manchester City currently have an 11-point lead at the top of the Premier League, one foot in the quarter-finals of the Champions League, remain in the FA Cup and are in next month’s EFL Cup final. Could an historic quadruple be on the cards for the Citizens?Everton will be looking to put a halt to that later this month when they welcome Pep’s side to Goodison Park. However, they were beaten 1-3 at home in their Premier League meeting only last month.City are the clear odds on favourites for this tie and it’s hard to write them off despite recently losing the Manchester derby. All four FA Cup games can be streamed live and this is expected to be one of the most popular.
Chelsea vs Sheffield United
Chelsea remain unbeaten under Thomas Tuchel and are odds on favourites to reach the FA Cup semi-finals at home to struggling Sheffield United. This game does come three days after the Blues’ Champions League Round of 16 second leg versus Atletico Madrid though, but is their final fixture before the international break.The Blades were beaten 1-2 at home by Chelsea last month and the West London club have only got better under the German coach since. It’s hard to see anything but Chelsea progressing in 90 minutes from this tie.
Leicester City vs Manchester United
The television companies believe they’ve saved the best for last as arguably the most difficult tie to predict concludes the round on Sunday afternoon as Leicester City play host to Manchester United.These two teams currently sit third and second in the Premier League respectively and shared a 2-2 draw at the King Power Stadium on Boxing Day. This is the only tie without an odds on favourite.Manchester United’s recent victory over Manchester City showed their credentials earlier this month but Leicester have been difficult to beat themselves this season.
