The FA Cup fourth round gets underway next weekend with 32 teams battling it out for the right to progress in football’s most historic club competition. Recently the Premier League betting news has been dominated by some biggish upsets such as Southampton drawing with Chelsea, Reading’s comeback against Newcastle and Tottenham’s 90th minute equaliser against Man United. The FA Cup is something different and draw has thrown up some enticing match-ups, with the likelihood of a Cup upset on the cards as teams enter a busy spring period in the calendar.
Of the 20 Premier League teams to enter in the third round, 13 have survived to reach the fourth – showcasing just how seriously top-flight clubs are taking this tournament. Yet these sides must be careful in this fourth round, as there are some plucky smaller teams determined to cause an upset.
Brighton fans will be optimistic their side can overturn Arsenal after defeating Newcastle for the second time in successive years to reach the fourth round. Gus Poyet’s men are on a four-game unbeaten streak averaging 2.25 goals per game in 2013. They’ve lost just once at home since mid-October and face an Arsenal side with just one win in five, prior to tonight’s re-arranged game with West Ham. These stats are certainly worth bearing in mind if you bet on football with bet365.
Norwich City may also fall victim to Blue Square Premier side Luton Town: undefeated in five and victorious over Wolves in the third round. Chris Hughton’s men, meanwhile, head into the fixture off a 5-0 defeat at Liverpool and without a Premier League win in six.
Macclesfield, who have won three of their last four, host a Wigan side with just one win in five; while Leeds, who have won their last six league games at Elland Road, face Spurs without a win in two.
Lower-league clubs, therefore, will fancy their chances against stuttering top-flight opponents and must be eyeing up a lucrative fifth-round clash off the back of it. The FA Cup is the home of upsets and teams will be hoping to use their form to their advantage and scalp one of the big boys.