FA Cup quarter final preview: Man City to move closer to retaining the title?
The FA Cup takes centre stage this weekend as the eight remaining clubs stand just one game away from a Wembley semi-final.
Manchester City are looking to put league disappointment behind them and retain the cup, but seven more clubs including Newcastle United, Arsenal, Chelsea and Man United are still in the hat.
We’ve got the pre-match breakdown for the big cup clashes this weekend…
Norwich City v Manchester United (17:30, Sat)
Manchester United are the heavy 2/5 to advance to the semi-finals. The Red Devils looked in sublime nick going forward in their 3-0 win over Sheffield United in mid-week.
Anthony Martial scored his first professional hat-trick in that game and is 11/2 to score 2 or more goals.
Odion Ighalo may get a start at Carrow Road and the diminutive striker is 3/1 to open the scoring.
Norwich are losing their grip on Premier League survival, but the cup represents a fresh challenge.
The Canaries are 7/1 to advance and may play all their heavy hitters. Teemu Pukki to score in a home win is at 6s.
Sheffield United v Arsenal (13:00, Sun)
Both clubs have stuttered since the restart, with Sheffield United not registering a win in three league games.
Arsenal did lose to the Blades back in October, and the hosts are 2/1 to grab victory again. The Gunners got a morale boosting win over Southampton on Thursday and know the cup could be their most realistic chance of playing European football next season.
You can get the Gunners at 11/8 for victory, with Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang also at 11/8 to score anytime. Billy Sharp is the most likely anytime scorer for Chris Wilder’s side at 21/10.
Leicester City v Chelsea (16:00, Sun)
These two clubs will have to box up their top four rivalry and go all in for a place in the FA Cup last four.
A third successive draw in all competitions for the Foxes is 23/10, with Over 2.5 Goals in the game at 4/5.
But the momentum could be with Chelsea following their impressive home win over Man City in midweek, we’ve gone 3/4 that the Blues qualify.
Leicester have been hard to break down since the restart though with the Foxes at 5/1 to win with Under 2.5 Goals in the game.
Newcastle United v Man City (18:00, Sun)
Man City will be going all out for a cup double this season, starting with retaining their FA Cup title.
They’re 4/5 to do so, which means they would have to overcome an improving Newcastle side who are 12/1 to strike a second blow to City in a week.
The pair played out an entertaining 2-2 draw at St. James’ Park earlier in the season. The pick of the goals came from Kevin de Bruyne (15/8) and the late equaliser from Jonjo Shelvey (6/1 anytime).
Pep Guardiola’s side usually bounce straight back after defeats, with the Cityzens to qualify at 1/14.
All odds and markets correct as of date of publication
