3 potential cupsets to watch out for in Emirates FA Cup Fifth Round
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It truly has been the year of the underdog in the Emirates FA Cup, with every one of the Round Five ties including a club from outside of the Premier League – as well as multiple Non-League sides reaching this stage for the first time in history.
And the cupsets could be set to keep rolling in, with a number of outsiders heading into this weekend’s ties on the back of impressive cup displays and fine league form.
Here are three games where the Ladbrokes News team think the magic of the cup could emerge once again.
Middlesbrough v Oxford United
The U’s have already knocked out one North-East heavyweight this season, with a 3-0 rout of Newcastle United. And having won eight of their last nine games in all competitions, the Thames Valley outfit could well humble a Boro side struggling for goals.
Aitor Karanka’s men have failed to score in seven of their last 13 outings, and were fortunate to edge out League Two Accrington Stanley with a 1-0 win in the Fourth Round. Expect them to find it far tougher against a strike force containing the likes of Kane Hemmings and Toni Martinez.
Millwall v Leicester City
Neil Harris’ men have already put two Premier League sides in Bournemouth and Watford to the sword at The Den in this competition, winning both games deservedly without conceding a goal.
That’s likely to worry a Foxes side enduring a rank run of results, having lost nine and drawn five of their last 15 away games. And the Lions have a striker bang in form in the shape of Steve Morison, who has reached 15 goals already this season.
He’s certainly confident heading into this tie, telling us he’s found games against top-flight opposition “comfortable” and that the Millwall squad are “full of confidence” ahead of this weekend’s game. Leicester beware!
Wolverhampton Wanderers v Chelsea
The Blues may be sitting pretty atop the Premier League, but there’s a chance Wolves can upset the applecart, having won 2-1 at Anfield in the last round, as well as defeating Stoke City 2-0 earlier in the competition.
Paul Lambert’s men also have arguably the in-form man in the Championship right now, with Helder Costa having scored five times and provided four assists in his last 11 games, including setting up both goals away at Liverpool.
Add to that the fact Chelsea have won just one of the last four on their travels, meaning we wouldn’t bet against the Black Country club earning at least a Replay.
Get the latest Emirates FA Cup odds here.
All Odds and Markets are correct as of publishing
