FA Cup storylines: Could Huddersfield shock Man United?
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Also featuring Chelsea, Leicester, Saints and West Brom
The FA Cup roars back into action this weekend and there should be some great games in store.
It’s the fifth round now and this is where the competition starts to get serious. Three more wins and a trip to Wembley for the final awaits.
Ahead of all the excitement, the Coral News Team have looked at what to watch out for this weekend:
Can Huddersfield cause another upset against Man United?
Huddersfield Town’s 2-1 win against Manchester United in October was one of the biggest shocks of the season so far. It was the Terriers’ first win against United for 65 years. Now they’ve got a chance to do it twice in a single season.
They come into this cup tie on the back of a confidence-boosting 4-1 win against Bournemouth last week.
United haven’t properly clicked since Alexis Sanchez arrived. There have been reports of a rift between Paul Pogba and Jose Mourinho too. And with a Champions League tie against Sevilla next week, this could be a good time to face the Red Devils.
Mourinho’s side are 1/2 favourites, but there could be something in backing Huddersfield or Draw in the Double Chance market at 33/20.
Can Chelsea go all the way?
Antonio Conte has an exceptional record when it comes to winning league titles as a manager. But he’s never led a side to glory in a cup competition.
This year’s FA Cup could be his chance to change that. Chelsea are third-favourites at 7/2 to lift the cup at Wembley.
The Blues shouldn’t have any problems against Hull City on Friday evening as 2/11 favourites.
Arsenal and Liverpool are already out of the competition. If they get a favourable draw in the next round, it could open up for them.
Leicester could be the dark horse
Leicester City have beaten Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur this season. They’ve also held Manchester City (before penalties), Manchester United and Chelsea to draws.
They’ve arguably been the best side outside the top six since Claude Puel took charge. And unlike the top sides, Leicester can make the FA Cup their main focus. They won’t go down and aren’t going to finish in the top four.
The Foxes are 8/15 to beat Sheffield United and make it into the sixth round. If they get there, and bring Riyad Mahrez back into the fold, they’ll pose a real test for anyone.
Puel’s side are currently 12/1 to win the competition. But Leicester have famously defied the odds before.
Cup tie could be a distraction for West Brom and Southampton
A cup run can be a welcome respite from the grind of the league campaign. But both West Bromwich Albion and Southampton have bigger concerns at the minute.
West Brom are bottom of the table, with only one win in 13 since Alan Pardew replaced Tony Pulis. Southampton are 18th and a point away from safety.
Both sides are likely to make changes to keep their players fresh for the crucial league games ahead. Southampton are 33/20 favourites, with West Brom at 9/5.
All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing
