Live on BTSport 1: Sat 17.30: A treble involving Everton at 2/1 (BetVictor) and some upsets form our FA Cup picks this weekend.
Jose Mourinho steered Chelsea to FA Cup glory in his last full season at Stamford Bridge back in 2007 and the Blues boss is a 5/1 shot at William Hill to lift the trophy again this term, in his second spell at the club.
The competition reaches the fourth round stage this weekend and for Chelsea that means the visit of Stoke in the only all-Premier League tie. However, despite facing top-flight opposition, the Blues are still emphatic favourites, Stan James chalking them up at 1/4 to progress to the last 16 at the first attempt.
Mark Hughes’s troops are 12/1 at BetVictor to cause an upset and 5/1 (William Hill) to earn a replay but it’s hard to see past the hosts, especially after their impressive 3-1 victory against Manchester United on Sunday and an easy home win gets the nod in this one.
Ladbrokes chalk Chelsea up at 7/10 in the handicaps, where they start a goal behind, Winner.com offer 10/1 about a 3-1 Blues success and for punters fancying Mourinho’s men to prevail ‘to nil’ (11/10, betway), BetVictor mark 6/1 against the Blues netting twice without reply.
In attack, Samuel Eto’o is a 7/2 chance at bet365 to follow his weekend hat trick with the opener in this one and Demba Ba, who could now be given more game time in light of Fernando Torres’s injury, is 9/2 (bet365) to break the deadlock.
Everton are also in front of the cameras, this time on Saturday evening and Paddy Power mark 1/3 against them easing past Stevenage at Broadhall Way, where a 2-1 scoreline in favour of the Toffees comes in at 17/2 with BetVictor.
Flying the flag for non-league teams are Kidderminster but Skrill Premier outfit’s run should come to an end at Sunderland, even though the Premier League strugglers will make changes. The Black Cats are a safe-looking 1/4 courtesy of Stan James while Man City (1/10, betway) are also a home banker against Watford and Hull (8/11, Stan James) should do the business at Southend.
Those seeking upsets might consider Sheffield United, who saw off Villa in the third round and are 9/5 (Ladbrokes) to dish out the same treatment to Fulham. Alternatively, Rochdale are 12/5 at BetVictor to follow their success against Leeds by disposing of Sheffield Wednesday at Spotland and bet365 rate Birmingham at 11/4 to overcome faltering Swansea.
Bookies meanwhile, fancy cup holders Wigan to shock Crystal Palace, but the Eagles are more solid under Tony Pulis and are undoubtedly overpriced at 14/5 (BetVictor).
Recommended Bets:
Birmingham to beat Swansea – 11/4 (bet365)
Sheffield United to beat Fulham – 9/5 (Ladbrokes)
Crystal Palace to beat Wigan – 14/5 (BetVictor)
Treble on Everton, Chelsea and Hull – 2/1 (BetVictor)
Compare all FA Cup odds and bet at the best price.
