The 2021 FA Cup reaches the quarter-final stage this weekend. On Saturday, Southampton face fellow south coast club Bournemouth – the only second-tier side left in the competition – at the Vitality Stadium, while Premier League leaders Manchester City visit Everton later in the evening.
On Sunday, Chelsea will entertain the Premier League basement boys Sheffield United at Stamford Bridge, and Manchester United take on high-flying Leicester City at the King Power Stadium in the final tie, and possibly, highlight of the round.
Saturday 20 March
Bournemouth 3/1
Draw 51/20
Southampton 9/10
(14:15)
We kick things off at the Vitality Stadium with an intriguing South Coast derby. Unsurprisingly, Southampton are favourites against the Championship outfit, however, Jonathan Woodgate’s side will fancy their chances against a side with just two wins from their last 12 games. Bournemouth proved they can still compete against Premier League opposition with an impressive 2-1 win away to Burnley in the fifth round. The Saints look a side woefully short on confidence and I’m backing the Cherries to advance at 3/1. For the cautious bunch among you, the Bournemouth Double Chance is available at 8/10.
Everton 7/1
Draw 4/1
Manchester City 7/20
(19:30)
Manchester City are strong favourites to lift the trophy, as the Premier League champions-in-waiting chase a quadruple this season. Pep Guardiola’s side are the most recent winners of the FA Cup still in the competition, lifting the trophy in 2019 after thrashing Watford 6-0 at Wembley. The Manchester giants have an excellent record in the competition and will enter this match full of confidence. Everton are no pushovers at Goodison Park, but City will be very difficult to beat if they bring their A-game to Merseyside. The 7/20 on offer for the Citizens is a bit short, but is probably the way to go here.
Sunday 21 March
Chelsea 1/4
Draw 46/10
Sheffield United 10/1
(15:30)
Chelsea are overwhelming favourites to reach the FA Cup semi-finals as they entertain Premier League basement dwellers Sheffield United. The Blues have been excellent since Thomas Tuchel arrived in late January and the German will look to land silverware in his first season at the club. Their opponents on the other hand look nothing less than a Championship side, and a mediocre one at that. No in-depth analysis required. Some results you just know. Back the Multiscores market – Chelsea to Win 4-0, 5-0 or 6-0 at 48/10.
Leicester City 19/10
Draw 5/2
Manchester United 27/20
(19:00)
This will perhaps be the closest match of the quarter-finals with both teams almost neck and neck in the Premier League. Manchester United are a point and a place above Leicester City in the league standings, with both sides expected to secure Champions League football next term. The Foxes have held their own against most Premier League clubs this campaign, but their record against United doesn’t bode well. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side are unbeaten in their last 13 meetings with the Foxes, recording nine victories and four draws. The Red Devils have put together an impressive run of form away from home and the 27/20 available for United to win is well worth snapping up.
QUAD @ 72/1
Bournemouth Win 3/1
Man City Win 7/20
Chelsea Win 4-0, 5-0 or 6-0 48/10
Man United Win 27/20
Written by Chad N