User Review
( votes)Punters can cash in on magic of FA Cup
The FA Cup provides punters with a great chance to take full advantage of big-odds on games in a competition renowned for upsets and shocks. English Premier League sides take on lower league opposition so the meeting of big names and minnows means big rewards for those lucky online bettors able to spot an upset before a ball is kicked. See what the top football tipsters are saying and look especially for Premier League clubs struggling near the bottom of the table and threatened with possible relegation.
THE CUP IS MAGIC IS PUNTERS
Because no matter the magic of the FA Cup, it’s the magic of money and the massive riches to be shared among Premier League clubs next season from the new £5 billion TV deal that will determine the team’s priorities this year. Success in the third round games for EPL teams battling for survival will, for many owners and managers, simply mean extra fixtures and pressures on limited squads – many of which are already depleted by injury.
THE REALITY
This reality might tarnish somewhat the world’s oldest cup competition but the plus side for punters is the chance to capitalise on games where the underdogs have a far better chance at causing an upset than the odds represent. EPL managers will name under strength sides, justifying it as the chance to “provide experience for younger players” or “give an opportunity for other squad players to impress and stake a claim to a place in the first 11.” Or, some will be more pragmatic and honest, as Sunderland boss Sam Allardyce who said before his team take on Arsenal on Saturday that the risk of injury during the busiest period of English football means he is likely to rest his most important players, no matter the opposition. Sunderland currently lie second from bottom in the Premier League and are four points behind Swansea and the last position of safety from the drop.
NON-LEAGUE CHANCE
Another possible upset sees non-league Eastleigh take on Championship side Bolton. The hosts are the only remaining side outside the Football League still in the competition and the gulf between makes many think Bolton – whatever their current travails and struggles – will be simply too strong for Eastleigh. Bolton have massive financial problems and the threat of liquidation, never mind the very real prospect of relegation from the Championship to League One hanging over them. Online football tipsters will take note of that combined with the fact that the quickest way for a club to raise money is to sell players.
Should Bolton boss Neil Lennon name his best and most coveted players in the side to face Eastleigh, those starmen will be cup-tied and therefore unable to play for their new club in the competition. This will affect their price Bolton can sell them for so Lennon may be forced to give the non-leaguers a real chance by fielding a weakened side. Eastleigh have climbed into the National League – the last rung before the Football League – and have ambitions to climb much further.
By: Joe Cahal