Stay in Manchester for best value in FA Cup betting
Published:Although one of Bolton or Stoke are guaranteed a spot in the FA Cup final, the value in the betting is clearly in attempting to uncover the winner of the other semi-final between Manchester United and Manchester City.
Premier League leaders Manchester United are the obvious favourites in the FA Cup betting at 1/1 and are unbeaten against Manchester City this season, winning at home and drawing away.
Meanwhile, although Sir Alex Ferguson picked a slightly weakened team for the quarter-final win over Arsenal, it is highly unlikely that Manchester United will not be at full strength at Wembley, especially as the game is against their near neighbours.
Manchester City’s betting odds are 9/4 to win the FA Cup and they will see the competition as their best chance of securing silverware this season.
This is because there is only a small likelihood that they can make up seven points in the Premier League title race, while they are in danger of being dumped out of the Europa League by Dynamo Kiev.
With the two big guns left in the competition meeting in one semi final, both Bolton and Stoke will believe they can produce two inspired performances to win the FA Cup.
However, it would be a big call to back either, with Bolton currently 11/2 in the FA Cup betting, with Stoke’s betting odds being 6/1.
Birmingham were 6/1 to win a one-off game against Arsenal in the Carling Cup final and both Bolton and Stoke are around the same price in the FA Cup.
This may be best avoided as both teams still have to win two matches to lift the trophy, which includes a final against one of the top four.
A £25 stake on Stoke winning the FA Cup would return £150. New customers can sign up here for a free £25 bet.
