FA Cup Fourth Round Preview

The FA Cup Fourth Round takes place around the country between Friday and Monday. Kicking off with Ruud van Nistelrooy returning to Old Trafford under the lights on Friday, we have some classic FA Cup David and Goliath duels along with a handful of even matchups.

A look at the FA Cup odds shows how well-balanced some of these ties are. While Liverpool are inevitably massive favourites away to Plymouth Argyle, several other Premier League teams are under threat.

Southampton vs Burnley

Burnley are unbeaten in 18 Championship matches. They have kept five clean sheets in a row since knocking Reading out of the FA Cup a few weeks ago.

Southampton have lost 12 of their last 16 across all competitions. The win over Ipswich last time out will have boosted their confidence, but Saints have been the worst team in the Premier League this season and don’t deserve to be favoured over such a well-organised Burnley team.

Pick: Burnley to win or draw at 23/20

Everton vs Bournemouth

The return of David Moyes has had the desired impact at Goodison Park. The Toffees have won three consecutive league matches, including a phenomenal 4-0 drubbing of Leicester last weekend.

Bournemouth have happy memories of Goodison, having scored in the 87th, 91st, and 95th minutes to win 3-2 in August. The Cherries’ defeat to Liverpool last time out was their first since November.

Over 3.5 has hit in four of Bournemouth’s last five matches. Everton’s last two fixtures at Goodison have produced nine total goals.

Pick: Over 3.5 total goals at 19/10

Coventry vs Ipswich

An in-form Championship team against a struggling Premier League team is the perfect formula for an upset. Ipswich are only narrow favourites, though, and with home advantage, it wouldn’t be that much of a surprise to see Coventry progress.

The Sky Blues have improved markedly under Frank Lampard. Their underlying numbers have been strong all season, and they have begun to turn good performances into wins with Lampard at the helm.

Pick: Coventry to win and two or more goals in the match at 14/5

Brighton vs Chelsea

Chelsea’s Monday night win over West Ham eased the pressure on Enzo Maresca. Brighton represent a challenging Fourth Round opponent for the Blues.

The hosts, however, are at a low ebb. They have lost consecutive Premier League matches to nil, including a remarkable 7-0 defeat to Nottingham Forest. Those losses have ended a good run, and they have notably got results against Tottenham, Manchester City, Arsenal, and Manchester United at the Amex this season.

Chelsea have failed to win their last four away Premier League matches. We’re taking Brighton to get back on track.

Pick: Brighton to win at 9/5

Aston Villa vs Tottenham

The football betting markets have Aston Villa as odds-on favourites for the visit of struggling Tottenham. Villa have only won one of their last five matches across all competitions, but Spurs’ form is far more worrying.

The Lilywhites have only won two Premier League matches since 23rd November. Their form in cup competitions is much stronger, but it would still be a surprise to see Ange Postecoglou’s depleted north Londoners get a win on Sunday evening.

Pick: Aston Villa to win and BTTS at 21/10