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| | Author: MasterBets
|  F. A. Cup Quarter-Final Previews
Man Utd v Fulham
The first quarter final clash sees Fulham travelling to Old Trafford. The Londoners are looking for a repeat of their shock victory here in October when they beat United 3-1.
The Cottagers completed an excellent league season against Manchester United when they held them to a 1-1 draw in the home fixture last weekend. Luis Boa Morte's 69th-minute strike earned them a point, and showed a resiliency that has to be respected.
Another draw is a distinct possibility, and Bet365 currently offer 7/2 on any draw. Manchester United have drawn their previous two domestic matches. It makes more appeal than another away win for Fullham. Their form on the road has actually been poor with the exception of that freak victory in October, so we'll look to the draw for betting value.
Sir Alex Ferguson rang the changes last weekend, dropping Ruud van Nistelrooy, Ryan Giggs and Tim Howard to the bench. Of course, the FA Cup represents a greater chance of silverware for the Red Devils since they have slipped nine points behind Arsenal in the Premiership. One still feels that the team's focus is mainly on the European Championship, with this tournament a mere diversion.
We're expecting the draw here.
Portsmouth v Arsenal
The Gunners are on course for the Treble, and it is unlikely to end because of anything that happens at Fratton Park on Saturday evening.
When one looks at Arsene Wenger's team on paper it is hard to imagine a domestic game that they should lose. It is a phenomenal squad, and they are enjoying an equally historic season.
They have won seven consecutive Premiership games, effectively wrapping up the league title, and ten games in all competitions. Their last league defeat came against Leeds way back in May and they are nine points clear at the top of the league.
Portsmouth did manage a 1-1 at Highbury in September, which means that Pompey are one of only two English teams to have denied the Gunners all three points on their own patch this season. Another amazing stat that ultimately says far more about Arsenal than it does about Portsmouth.
There seems little doubt that Arsenal will win this game, but at -188 there is little value betting them. However, when Arsenal leads at half-time they almost always close out the deal, while the chance of Portsmouth recovering from a half-time deficit seem slim to none. Arsenal are more than likely to score early and at the price of 13/10 or +130 on Bet365 this is a far better proposition to wager on.
Summary: Play the Draw in the Manchester United / Fullham game @ +350; Bet Arsenal for the HT/FT win @ +130
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| Last Updated
Wednesday, February 16, 2005 | | |
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