Bookies Blog

After a classic FA Cup weekend we are left with just four top flight clubs in contention for the FA Cup. Chelsea, after drawing giant killers Barnsley are now favourites to win the Cup, at a best price of 11/8.

Ladbrokes spokesman Nick Weinberg, said this “Chelsea have secured a relatively easier tie and, as a result, have just edged ahead in the betting.” Chelsea have definitely drawn one of the easier sides in the competition and are almost certain to reach the semi finals.

Manchester United, meanwhile, look like they are going to have a tougher time reaching the semis. Pompey was probably the toughest draw after Chelsea and Sir Alex faces a serious challenge. The betfair market has represented this, they are now 2.42 on Betfair (just under 6/4), and one would have expected their odds to have shortened far more after a home draw against any other side in the competition. Portsmouth, however are well known for their impressive away form and United’s odds are now actually a little longer than they were this time yesterday.

Mddlesborough will be looking to finish off Sheffield easily at the Riverside and should also cause Cardiff problems when they also meet at the Riverside in March. So at odds of 11/1 with Stan James they may well be a worthwhile each way punt.

The Bristol Rovers vs West Brom game is the only game which will definitely produce a non Premier League semi finalist. West Brom are obvious favourites, and are on offer at Evens, but Rovers have proven stubborn on their somewhat unkempt home turf this season and have seen off the likes of Fulham and Southampton so don’t write off another upset just yet.

The cup so far has produced many twists and turns and this draw has the potential to produce many more.

Why not have a look at the FA Cup Betting Index or the FA Cup Winners betting odds.