FA Cup Match Betting Tips 13th to 15th February 2010

This weekend sees the last sixteen matches of the FA Cup being played. To say that Portsmouth, who play Southampton away, are in a precarious position is like saying that Wayne Rooney is a decent forward – it is understated. You may wish to have a football betting wager on any of these matches so here are my brief tips for each match.

Chelsea 3/20 Draw 11/2 Cardiff 12/1

A Chelsea home win is the only bet to have here. Chelsea to score over 3.5 goals is 6/5 and this may be attractive, particularly if they get an early start. Missing Ashley Cole should not matter too much here where attack is the order of the day. Chelsea to win half time/full time is 21/50.

Southampton 17/10 Draw 21/10 Portsmouth 29/20

Although they are away and in dire financial straights Portsmouth should beat Southampton I feel. This is more like a derby so expect passionate support from fans of both teams. I like Portsmouth to win this match although you could not be surprised at the upset. They really need the prize money and the players will be fighting to earn it so they are paid. This should be a good old-fashioned derby match with the cup element adding further spice to it.

Derby County 2/1 Draw 11/5 Birmingham City 6/5

I am tipping the draw here. Derby won against Newcastle in the league recently and Nigel Clough is developing a good side. Christian Benitez returns for Birmingham from injury but a recent loss to West Ham who are struggling leaves me thinking they may be upon to an upset, but it is close and could well be a stalemate. Because of the uncertainty I think this game may be drawn.

Reading 8/5 Draw 9/4 West Bromwich Albion 29/20

This all championship affair guarantees a none Premiership side in the last eight. West Brom has only lost one league game away this season and are top of the Championship. Reading is fighting a relegation battle. Look for WBA to take their excellent away form to the bank and win this match. 29/20 is good odds for the away win given their superb away form this season.

Man City 9/20 Draw 11/4 Stoke 6/1

Man City to win at home. Could this be their year? I hope that in May we will see a Man City / Chelsea final. Skipper Kolo Toure should return for this match and they will field a strong side as they are hungry for success to repay their promise. The home win is my tip at 9/20.

Bolton 43/20 Draw 9/4 Tottenham 11/10

Aaron Lennon is returning from injury and Spurs have had a drop in form since he got injured. Spurs are a good Cup side and I see their run continuing with a win here. 11/10 is good odds given their cup form and superiority in terms of squad strength over Bolton. The draw is possible, but I feel an away win is likely.

Fulham 9/20 Draw 11/4 Notts County 6/1

The dreams are on ice for Notts County fans and Sven has left the club after the promise of massive foreign investment failed to materialise. Look for Fulham to rub salt in their wounds and win here. The players of Notts County will be demoralised and their momentum affected. The belief will be gone, but hopefully they put in a good show against Premiership opposition, but I can see only one victor in this match and that if Fulham at 9/20.

Crystal Palace 7/2 Draw 9/4 Aston Villa 3/4

Palace defenders Matt Lawrence and Claude Davis face a late fitness test for this match and Palace will need both players present and on top form to stop a flying Villa side from progressing. Unfortunately I see the Villa going through and at decent odds of 3/4. Palace lost their last match in the league at home to Swansea 1-0 and this is a different class of team visiting. Villa may be without Petrov and Agbonlahor but should still have enough class to defeat Palace, who are currently in 19th place in the Championship.

Enjoy your FA Cup last sixteen football betting this weekend.

By Malcolm Clarke