FA Cup 5th Round Preview And Betting Tips
The FA Cup field has been whittled down to 16 teams, who this weekend fight it out for a quarter-final place, with the FA Cup final almost within touching distance.
There will however, be no fairytales at the new Wembley, with all remaining teams drawn from the top two divisions.
With such a competitive knock-out menu, including three all-Premiership ties, the advantage of expert guidance from leading online sportsbook Pinnacle Sports could prove crucial.
Royals Bidding to Dethrone Premiership Aristocrats
Reading Football Club are this year's Premiership success story, in their first season in the top flight. Currently lying sixth in the table, with credible hopes of a UEFA Cup place, they are unbeaten in eight games, and their form since January is actually better than their opponents, Manchester United. Their last defeat was actually back here at Old Trafford, when they gave an excellent account of themselves, losing 3-2, the week after holding the Champions to a 2-2 draw at Stamford Bridge. Steve Coppell's side have scored at least two goals in nine of their last ten games, which lends weight to those punters looking to back them at 2.07 (+1 & +1.5) with Pinnacle Sports for a return visit to the Theatre of Dreams.
United's league form is nothing short of awesome. They have only lost once at home so far this season, and won ten straight Premiership games. However, they have struggled in the previous two FA Cup rounds, leaving it until the final minute to get past Aston Villa, then needing the brilliance of Wayne Rooney (introduced as a substitute) to see off a dogged Portsmouth 2-1. Alex Ferguson may be forced to stick with his policy of fielding a weakened side in this competition, with a crucial Champions League clash away to Lille just three days later and Rooney suspended. The Red Devils are 1.862 (-1 & -1.5) with Pinnacle Sports.
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All London Clash at Craven Cottage
Having been knocked out of the Carling Cup at the semi-final hurdle by another London side - their hated rivals Arsenal - Spurs will be keen to make amends in the more important domestic knockout competition. The recent 4-0 home defeat by Manchester United was the club's worst performance of the season, and was followed by a 2-1 defeat at Sheffield United. Manager, Martin Jol, will look for a positive reaction from his players, though they have struggled all season on the road, winning just one of 13 Premiership road trips. Pinnacle Sports rate their chances 2.06 (0/scratch) off a level handicap, though they have won just one of six Premiership fixtures at Craven Cottage.
With their safety all but assured, the FA Cup is all Fulham have left to play for this season. Unbeaten in eight home games, the Cottagers must be confident of extending that run, particularly with loan signing, Vincenzo Montella, on fire. The 'Little Aeroplane' has already scored three times in the FA Cup. Chris Coleman's side are favourites 1.87 (0/scratch) with Pinnacle Sports.
Rovers Return to Emirates Hoping for Better Showing
Blackburn Rovers travel to the Emirates stadium for one of the toughest possible draws of the FA Cup fifth round. The Gunners are unbeaten at home, having already beaten Blackburn 6-2 at their new Ashburton home in December. In fact the Lancashire side have lost their most recent three Premiership games away to Arsenal by an aggregate of 12-2. When the pair met in the 2005 FA Cup semi-final on a neutral venue, Arsenal again ran out comfortable winners by a 3-0 scoreline. The recent injury to Morten Gamst Pedersen robs coach, Mark Hughes, of one of his most creative players, but Sparky was never shy of a battle as a player, so his side will certainly put up a fight. Pinnacle Sports rates Blackburn's chances 1.98 (+1).
Despite resting Thierry Henry, Cesc Fabregas and Jens Lehmann, Arsenal made it past Bolton in a midweek replay to earn this home tie against Blackburn. The Gunners needed extra-time to see off the Trotters, but should have finished them off in ninety-minutes, squandering a penalty and open goal. Arsene Wenger must now decide whether to field his strongest side, with one eye on the club's important forthcoming midweek Champions League fixture. Though progress in Europe is financially critical, Wenger has won the FA Cup four times with Arsenal and he clearly has a special affection for the competition. Wenger and all Arsenal fans of a nervous disposition will be hoping Arsenal can take the straight-forward route to victory, rather than waiting until they fall behind before turning the game around, as seen last weekend against Wigan, and on 12 other occasions this season. Pinnacle Sports rate Arsenal 1.943 (-1).
