This weekend sees the return of the FA Cup. These fixtures are trickier than the usual weekend fixtures as you are not sure which team is actually playing and which teams actually want to win.
Saturday 20th February 2016
Arsenal (1.6) Draw (4.25) Hull (7.1)
Looking at this game, you'd think the odds on Arsenal were generous. Hull would be towards the bottom of the league so something like 1.3 on an Arsenal win would be expected. So why double the odds? I think its because Wenger will be resting players in anticipation of Barcelona on Tuesday. If they lose that, the tie is pretty much over.
Hull look like they are rotating the squad too. Without a doubt, Arsenal would be even money if Hull put out their full team too. But as they are top of the Championship, promotion is much more of a priority than getting to the next round of the FA Cup.
I'm avoiding this game but if I had to bet, I'd be on Hull + 1 on the Asian Handicap. Its 1.88 at Bet365. You get your money back if Hull lose by exactly one goal. You win if its a draw or Hull win.
None of the other games on Saturday interest me.
Sunday 21st February 2016
Chelsea (1.95) Draw (3.8) Man City (4.3)
This is the main game on Sunday. I expect Chelsea to win this one. City come off the back of 2 losses which has almost killed off their Premiership dream. They are still in it but they are no longer favorites. City also have a game on Wednesday in Kiev which they must have half an eye on.
Chelsea played pretty well against PSG. I think they were were actually unlucky to lose that one. Another day that could have easily been a draw or Chelsea win. This is really the only chance of silverware this year for Chelsea and I expect them to go for it.
The Chelsea win is 1.95 at Bet365
Monday 22nd February 2016
Shrewsbury (9.5) Draw (5.5) Man Utd (1.42)
Shrewsbury knocked out Sheffield Wednesday last time round much to my annoyance. Being near the bottom of league one, you'd have expected them to get beat by Wednesday. They somehow managed to win 3-2 though.
Man U have dipped in form recetly. After that 3-0 win over Stoke and 1-1 draw at Chelsea you thought they might have turned the corner. However, away losses to Sunderland and Danish club FC Midtjylland makes me wonder. Van Gaal is always under pressure and no doubt they'll be calls for his head if they don't win this.
Top price is currently 1.42 at 10bet.
