It’s time to take a break from the English Premier League this week as the FA Cup comes into focus. The race among the top four was just getting quite interesting but we’ll have to take a temporary pause to continue FA Cup play.
For all of those salty fans that have said the FA Cup is dead, it’s hard to argue against a full slate of games featuring some pretty intriguing match ups this weekend. The schedule begins with an intriguing ‘David vs. Goliath’ type. It’s a battle that brings England’s most successful club ever in to the home of League Two’s Cambridge in a game that epitomizes what the FA Cup means. Can you imagine if they were to stumble?
It might only get better from there. Fans should keep an eye on these three matchups, which are the best FA Cup games to wager on this weekend.
Cambridge U vs. Manchester United – Friday, 2:55 PM ET
FA Cup Odds: Manchester United -620, Cambridge United +1300, Draw +574
Cambridge’s Abbey Stadium holds just over 8,000 fans and it will be a nice change to watch a club as powerful as United fight for its FA Cup life in such an unfamiliar setting. United got back in the win column with a 2-0 victory at QPR this past week with Marouane Fellaini and James Wilson both finding the goal.
While most fans might want to overlook this game, the host side will be ready. Cambridge is coming off an impressive 4-0 win over Newport that should only add to their confidence as they get a chance to prove to the world they can compete with a team as big as Manchester United. Look for Cambridge to make this game a lot more difficult than most fans expect before Louis van Gaal’s side pulls out the victory in the second half. Manchester United is a massive favorite in this one but don’t be surprised if this contest goes down to the wire. Pick: Manchester United
Manchester City vs. Middlesbrough – Saturday, 10:00 AM ET
FA Cup Odds: Manchester City -442, Middlesbrough +968, Draw +482
Manchester City gets a break from chasing Chelsea in the Premier League this weekend but don’t expect Manuel Pellegrini’s side to show a drop in their resolve. They look to take care of a Boro side that is relishing the opportunity to go up against one of England’s best. Middlesbrough is coming off back-to-back home wins and will make the trip to Manchester Stadium with an upset in mind.
Manager Altor Karanka talked about his side’s narrow defeat at Liverpool earlier this season and promised his team will bring its best against a team that is competing for a Premier League title. City is coming off a pair of disappointing results after tying Everton 1-1 and then losing 2-0 to Arsenal so look for them to approach this game with not only a win in mind but also getting back on track. They need a get-well type of win. With all sorts of important games coming up – including a showdown with Chelsea – look for a solid bounce back effort from Manchester City. Pick: Manchester City
Liverpool vs. Bolton – Saturday, 12:30 PM ET
FA Cup Odds: Liverpool -305, Bolton +785, Draw +445
The season has been marked by inconsistency for Liverpool but after back-to-back wins over Sunderland and Aston Villa, it seems as though they are finally finding their way. Still five points back of Manchester united for a Champions League spot in the Premier League the focus for Liverpool has to be on winning one game at a time and that means not letting up against a dangerous opponent in Bolton. Anfield should help provide a boost for the home side in this game and if Italian striker Fabio Borini can continue to help provide some offense along with Rickie Lambert and company up front then Liverpool should be able to secure the win this weekend. Pick: Liverpool
