Man City favourites but United look good to end FA Cup wait
Published:Those fearful that the FA Cup had lost some of its sparkle must have had their faith restored in the fourth round, where the five biggest underdogs could have been combined into a successful accumulator that paid out at 14,700/1.
Luton, Milton Keynes Dons, Oldham and Leeds have been rewarded with fifth-round ties, while Brentford can look forward to a money-spinning replay at Stamford Bridge after their draw with Chelsea.
However, at the business end of the FA Cup betting, the tournament winner market has hardly changed after the big guns benefited from draws which should see them reach round six, even in this year of upsets.
With eight teams still in the hat, the big four still remained, but somehow Arsenal, Manchester City, Manchester United and Chelsea all avoided each other.
What’s more, three of them got picked out to play at home.
Although Man Utd were drawn against Premier League opposition for the seventh consecutive tie, they may actually have it the easiest against Reading.
Reading haven’t beaten the Red Devils since an FA Cup meeting in 1927, but at least have drawn on their past two visits to Old Trafford.
Meanwhile, their battles to avoid Premier League relegation may result in a weakened team being sent out by Brian McDermott.
Man City and Arsenal both entertain Championship opposition, with Leeds and Blackburn the respective visitors.
It is Man City who are the favourites at 12/5 to win the FA Cup, with Man Utd 5/2, Chelsea 9/2 and Arsenal at 6/1.
Aside from these four, Everton are 7/1 and then it is 50/1 bar.
Despite their only being 18 teams left in with a chance and the fact that they received a winnable home tie with Millwall, Luton are still 1,000/1 to win the FA Cup.
Full FA Cup betting
Manchester City 12/5
Manchester Utd 5/2
Chelsea 9/2
Arsenal 6/1
Everton 7/1
Wigan 50/1
Millwall 66/1
Leicester 80/1
Middlesbrough 80/1
Reading 100/1
Leeds 100/1
Milton Keynes Dons 150/1
Blackburn 200/1
Huddersfield 250/1
Barnsley 250/1
Oldham 250/1
Brentford 750/1
Luton 1000/1
All odds and markets accurate as of publication’s time and date
