Casumo’s FA Cup quarter final predictions and odds

We’re into the business end of the FA cup as the final eight clash in ties which will determine their seasons. Spots at Wembley are on the line here and it’s all to play for. With four gorgeous ties that include a derby and a clash involving second and third placed Premier League outfits.

 

The South Coast derby

This type of fixture is precisely why we love the FA Cup. Two of south england’s biggest rivals go head to head in the South Coast derby with more than just bragging rights up for grabs. Bournemouth, now in the Championship, welcome Southampton, whose form has been shocking this season. It’s a real opportunity for Bournemouth to reach the promised land and pipping their rivals for a spot at Wembley would be the cherry on the cake, with no pun intended. The Saints are 14th in the Premier League but with 51 goals conceded they have the second-worst defensive record in the league. A 9-0 drubbing at Old Trafford did not help, but nor did the five they conceded against City and a loss in their last home game to Brighton did little to boost confidence. Bournemouth’s good start to the season faded and recent form has undermined their position slightly. They are fighting to reach the playoffs and seek an immediate return to the top flight but inconsistencies aren’t helping. Still, this is the FA Cup and everyone loves an underdog. We’re backing Bournemouth here, simply due to the fact that when Hassenhuttle’s men get it wrong, it goes really wrong for Southampton.

No stopping Man City

 

Could this be the year Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City finally win the quadruple? It’s not that far fetched you know. They are already in the League Cup final and with one hand on the league. Wednesday saw them book their place in the Champions League quarter finals and while Everton are a tough outfit, City have been relentless this season.

 

Everton seem to freeze when they come up against Manchester City. They are winless in their last six games against Pep Guardiola’s side, who in turn have won 12 away matches on the trot. It’s an impressive record, and even if City slipped at home against Manchester United, Everton’s stage fright might cost them again. 

 

Chelsea to blunten the Blades

As Chris Wilder leaves Sheffield United, you get the feeling that it’s the end of an era for the Blades. He took over when they were in League One, and pulled them right up to the top half of the Premier League. Now, as relegation looms, they’ve lost their manager, a father figure to many of the players and with that, they also lose a lot of their identity. We’ll put this into context. With Wilder at the helm, United never lost a game by more than a three goal margin. During their first game without him, Leicester City put five past them without return. 

 

Sadly, his departure comes at a terrible time as it looks like their cup run will also come to an abrupt end. It’s hard to look beyond Chelsea here, who are unbeaten under their new manager and are playing some good, determined football. 

Leicester to outfox United

 

Besides the derby, this has to be the most exciting of the quarters. Just look at the league table for evidence. Man United in second, Leicester City in third and they are exchanging positions depending on kick off times. 

 

A couple of draws would drag both into the race for the top four, things are that tight at the top. In the cup however both sides have the opportunity to gamble, play more freely and offer the fans something to savour. We’re talking about goals, and lots of them. Back over 2.5 goals here at 13/20 or 1.65.