May 16, 2008

FA Cup Betting

Big Four expected to regain control in 2009

All four colossuses of English football were out of this year’s FA Cup by the end of quarter-final weekend but that hasn’t stopped Coral from making them overwhelming favourites for next year’s trophy.

Chelsea and Manchester United are 4/1 next year with Liverpool and Arsenal close on their tails at 11/2 and 6/1.

In a way it’s understandable considering no team outside those four had won the FA Cup since 1995 until this season but perhaps it signals that if the other clubs prioritise the cup, they are capable of beating the big guns who have another two fronts to battle on.

Tottenham are the best of the rest at 14/1 with Aston Villa close behind at 16/1, although that would require them ending their annual tradition of being eliminated by Manchester United.

What’s remarkable are the odds on this year’s finalists repeating the trick next season, with odds of 22/1 on Portsmouth and 150/1 on Cardiff offering a clear indication that the bookies view this season’s competition as a one-off.

If you think 2009 will be your team’s chance to shine, click here to place your bets.