Weekend Betting Preview: SunSport’s Picks for the FA Cup and Premier League
CHELSEA has become a destination that many want to leave. Unfortunately for Liam Rosenior, it was him who had to go.
The last time the Blues faced such a streak of defeats was in 1912, the very year the Titanic met its unfortunate fate.
Yet, with this billion-pound venture, which promised to be a marvel of modern times, not all are enthusiastic.
A significant number of players have already expressed their desire to leave.
Before Tuesday night, this disjointed squad lost five of their last six matches without finding the net, with their only victory being against League 1’s Port Vale amid the turmoil.
On Wednesday at the Amex, they reached a new low, suffering a 3-0 defeat to Brighton—a club they’ve invested approximately £270m in for players and managers over the past three years.
The score could easily have been 6-0, an irony given their heavy investments.
Rosenior stood alone at the Bridge, his notes strewn about, left to confront the reality. His stint was brief, with no opportunity for a final match against Leeds at Wembley tomorrow.
With a seven-point gap from fifth-placed Liverpool and only four matches remaining, Chelsea’s hopes of returning to the Champions League appear to be distant, making the FA Cup their last lifeline.
Can Chelsea, eight-time cup champions, muster a performance that reflects their legacy and fanfare?
Since their loss to Brighton, their odds have transitioned from favorable to challenging for completing the task in regular time.
Leeds hasn’t reached an FA Cup semi-final since the 1986-87 season, where they fell to the eventual champions, Coventry.
The last time they claimed a victory was in 1973, when the legendary skipper Billy Bremner scored the decisive goal against Wolves.
Leeds is taking this seriously; this isn’t just another Wembley visit or semi-final for them; they aim to showcase their Yorkshire resolve against the Blues.
Coral’s Dave Stevens sees a tough challenge ahead for the West End boys.
He remarked: “Chelsea was struggling even before Liam Rosenior, so it’s unfair to suggest it all fell apart under him. He never seemed capable of turning this group into a cohesive unit.
Despite a shift in odds against them, I wouldn’t place my bet on Chelsea in their present state. Leeds’ odds are improving but still offer good value. Whether at 5-2 for a regular-time win or 11-8 to qualify, I believe they can return to Wembley next month.”
Daniel Farke, the Elland Road boss, benefits from having his players united behind him. As a result, he has led the Mighty Whites to only two losses in their last 13 games, comfortably distancing them from relegation fears.
However, they’ve drawn seven times during this stretch, and with Chelsea likely to recall key figures like Cole Palmer and Joao Pedro, it’s difficult to foresee Leeds pulling off a win in regular time.
Thus, I’d bet on a score draw at 18-5 with BetVictor, Leeds winning in extra time at 14s with bet365, and via penalties at 10-1 with the same firm.
It’s sizable, it’s white, yet it’s not an iceberg, Chelsea.
Dark Horse
18-1: Despite Chelsea’s dismissal of manager Liam Rosenior and their recent woes—losing seven of their last eight matches—journeys to Wembley can often showcase their unexpected strengths.
Given their current struggles, they become an intriguing wager; consider placing a bet on Moises Caicedo—motivated by his new contract—to score anytime, along with both teams to find the net, at 18-1 with William Hill.
Next Coach…
They say timing is crucial, and Andoni Iraola’s timing appears quite serendipitous if he’s eyeing a high-profile role in English football.
After declaring that he had taken Bournemouth as far as he could and would be leaving this summer, the door at Chelsea has re-opened.
With Liam Rosenior now gone, Iraola has swiftly become a frontrunner, with odds at 2-1 with BetVictor to take the reins at the Bridge.
Nonetheless, Newcastle may also consider him should they decide to part ways with Eddie Howe, and the more stable ambiance at St James’ Park could be more appealing for the Spaniard.
Among the contenders, one name stands out at a favorable price: Cesc Fabregas.
Having spent five years at Stamford Bridge, he has earned respect at the highest levels of the game and has led Como to fifth place in Serie A.
His best odds currently rest at 11-2 with Hills. ‘Av Fab.
NEXT CHELSEA MANAGER (best prices): 2-1 Iraola; 11-2 Fabregas; 6-1 Marco Silva; 7-1 Filipe Luis; 10-1 Frank Lampard; 12-1 Diego Simeone, Oliver Glasner; 16-1 Jose Mourinho.
Goodwinners’ Enclosure
We’ve had to adjust our strategy after a loss to the betting public 2-0 last weekend.
Significant victories for Bournemouth and Manchester United led to our book’s setback, as many bettors perceived value after a rough period for both Newcastle and Chelsea.
However, we regained some credibility midweek when promotion-chasing Southampton managed a 2-2 draw against Bristol City, after receiving heavy backing due to their 19-game unbeaten streak.
Speaking of unexpected support, Arsenal attracted surprising backing in their match against Manchester City. However, that narrow 2-1 loss at the Etihad has left them with little favor in the title race. Following City’s ascent to the top with a 1-0 victory against Burnley Wednesday night, they now hold strong odds of 8-13, while the Gunners drift to 6-5.
As the FA Cup semi-finals approach this weekend, we anticipate a potential rout from City over Southampton tonight.
The underdogs may be focused on promotion, making City on the -3 handicap an enticing wager at 5-2.
The other semi-final at Wembley presents a more intricate challenge. Chelsea’s form has faltered at a critical juncture, culminating in Liam Rosenior’s dismissal.
With survival nearly secured, Daniel Farke might unleash his squad at Wembley, thereby making Leeds to win and BTTS appealing at 9-2.
In the overall Cup market, City is the clear 4-9 favorites, while Chelsea in the other semi is listed at 5-2. Leeds stands at 17-2, with Southampton as significant outsiders at 18s.
We’d bet on Elland Road’s team to seize their first major silverware since 1992.
Having felt the sting of a last-minute equalizer against Brighton at home last weekend, Tottenham remains favorites to accompany Burnley and Wolves in relegation at 5-6, while West Ham is at 6-4.
Spurs are likely to prevail against Wolves today, which points to a tight race to avoid relegation.
Ipswich is currently the 1-3 favorites to join Coventry in the battle for automatic promotion to the Premier League. Millwall follows at 23-10, with Saints and Middlesbrough at 14-1.
Given Ipswich’s goal difference acts as an extra point against Millwall, we’d be astonished if they don’t cross the finish line, although a challenging trip to St Mary’s awaits, so don’t count out the Lions just yet!
BetGoodwin Nap Acca for the weekend: Liverpool, Arsenal, Spurs, Norwich, and Middlesbrough all to win for a remarkable 9-1!
TV Previews
Fulham v Aston Villa
Aston Villa faced a disappointing end to winter, achieving only two victories in nine outings.
Since their 3-1 defeat to Manchester United on March 15, they’ve won five out of six and progressed to the Europa League semi-finals.
They have dominated Fulham lately, securing six straight victories, while the hosts have only managed to beat relegated Burnley in their last five fixtures.
Expect an away win, with Ollie Watkins—who has scored seven goals in eight games—set to net first at 11-2 with bet365.
FORECAST: 1-3
Arsenal v Newcastle
Now that it has materialized, Arsenal can stop fretting about City potentially catching up and focus on claiming victory.
This is a pivotal moment for them—and given their significantly improved performance despite last weekend’s defeat at the Etihad, that seems likely.
Tonight’s visitors, Newcastle, are on a four-game losing streak and should brace for a tough encounter.
Gabriel Martinelli hasn’t scored in 12 matches and is due for the Gunners; bet on him at 5-2 with Betway to score anytime.
FORECAST: 3-0
Man City v Southampton
Sadly for Saints, the FA Cup draw couldn’t be much harsher; they might have had better matchups against either Leeds or Chelsea.
They are currently on a 20-game unbeaten streak and still harbor hopes for automatic promotion to the Premier League—this ought to be their primary focus.
City is in peak form, recently reclaiming the top spot and adding the Carabao to their accolades. A domestic treble wouldn’t be far-fetched this season.
This promises to be an open game, likely yielding a predictable outcome. With Rayan Cherki on a scoring spree, consider him at 23-10 with MGM to find the net.
FORECAST: 4-1
Top Tips
Pro bet
Middlesbrough to defeat Watford, Sheff United to triumph over Preston, Norwich to win against Swansea, Chesterfield to conquer Crewe, and Bristol Rovers to triumph against Cheltenham. An acca returns 11-1 with Ladbrokes.
Retirement bet
Wolves to claim victory against Tottenham, Bristol City to secure success at Birmingham, Doncaster to triumph over Stevenage, Exeter to win against Burton, Wimbledon to beat Wigan, Mansfield to succeed at Huddersfield, Wycombe to overcome Lincoln, and Swindon to triumph over Grimsby. This is a perm 1 x Acca, 8 x 7-folds, and 28 x 6-folds; the acca is set at 58,103-1 with bet365.
Away day
Everton to win at West Ham, Bolton to triumph at Bradford, Notts County to succeed at Colchester, and Oldham to win at Newport. Acca at 49-1 with Coral.
Top draw
QPR vs Derby, Stoke vs Portsmouth, Rotherham vs Reading, and Shrewsbury vs Fleetwood. Acca stands at 125-1 with Betfred.
TV Special
Villa to win at Fulham, City to beat Southampton, Arsenal to secure victory against Newcastle, and Leeds vs Chelsea to conclude in a draw. Acca priced at 15-1 with Coral.
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