FA Cup Betting Tips

The FA Cup returns to action with some mouthwatering all-Premier League clashes mixed in with a few tasty David vs. Goliath encounters.

Betting on the FA Cup is not the same as betting on other competitions, nor is it the same as simply finding the value that you might in Premier League markets. Picking the best FA Cup bets is about doing your homework, knowing the the line-ups and picking out what makes giant-killing possible.

Underdogs

When we look at the underdogs still remaining in the last 16, two teams, non-league hopefuls Lincoln City and Sutton United, jump out at us. But not for good reasons, as they have almost no chance to progress.

Sutton’s game against Arsenal on Monday evening will be entertaining but the non-league side have almost no chance of prevailing, which is suggested by their odds of +1400. Lincoln, pegged at +850, don’t fare much better at the bookies for their match against Burnley. Burnley will probably rest their top players but will have enough to advance regardless, especially at Turf Moor.  

Oxford United, at +600, are a far more appealing bet as they play Middlesbrough (-225). Kane Hemmings needs one goal to become joint top scorer in the competition. If Hemmings scores and Oxford win, you’ll earn $1100 on a $100 bet.

Middlesbrough face a battle to survive in the Premier League and will invariably play a weakened side to rest their key players for crucial upcoming top-flight matches. Boro don’t score enough goals and are ripe for the picking. It could be the F.A. Cup shock bettors are searching for.

Futures and Favourites

Of the past eight FA Cup winners, only Wigan Athletic have been a surprise champion. Chelsea, Manchester United, Manchester City and Arsenal have won the other seven.

Who, of the four juggernauts, have the best chance to win this year?

Manchester City, at +350, are a tasty bet to ponder while Manchester United, at +450, are worth a punt, too. United, however, are already in the final of the EFL Cup and are also still competing in the Europa League.

They are also now vying for one of the top-four spots in the Premier League. That leads us to believe the FA Cup might just play second fiddle for United this season.

Arsenal (+450), who face a tough task in the Champions League, could focus their attentions on the FA Cup. It’s another enticing wager.

Chelsea (+375) still have an eight-point buffer in the Premier League standings and, with no European obligations, are a well-rested side. Though their main focus is clearly on winning the Premier League, the west Londoner have enough depth to take on the challenges the FA Cup presents.

Other Markets

Games are tighter at this stage of the competition. Leicester could come unstuck at Millwall. The home side are +350 to win by a single goal at The New Den, which has its own appeal.

We’ve written off Sutton United but the bookmakers are missing a trick in this one, with Arsenal being pegged at +110 to win both halves in their upcoming fixture. That is a bet you don’t want to miss out on, especially as the Gunners need a big win to lift confidence levels in the locker room.