Whilst most of the favourites to lift the FA Cup stormed on in the third, there were also some historic upsets that highlighted the beauty of the competition. We witnessed some unforgettable scenes as Cambridge United knocked out one of the world’s richest clubs and Non-League Kidderminster overcame Championship Reading.
We’ve previewed the fourth round and picked out some of the best bets available on NetBet Sport’s football odds page ahead of this weekend’s action.
Huddersfield to beat Barnsley – 4/6
These two shared the spoils when they met in the Championship at the start of December, but their form has differed drastically since the 1-1 draw at Oakwell. That result started a run of 10 games unbeaten for Huddersfield that has seen them climb into play-off contention, as well as knocking Premier League Burnley out of the FA Cup. In contrast, Barnsley’s only win in seven games since was a 5-4 victory over 10-men League Two Barrow in extra-time. Poya Asbaghi’s side have lost five of their last six league games, leaving them rock-bottom of the Championship, eight points adrift of safety. It’s difficult to see how they can turn their abysmal form around.
QPR to beat Peterborough – 23/20
Peterborough are another team struggling down in the Championship relegation places after winning just once in their last 13 league games. No team has conceded more goals in the league than Peterborough, who will host the league’s joint third deadliest attack this weekend. Not only have QPR won six of their last seven in all competitions, but they have also won four consecutive away games. The visitors are in fine form and will see this as a real opportunity to progress in the Cup.
Southampton to beat Coventry – 5/11
Southampton have made themselves far more difficult to beat this season. Since December, they have only lost to Arsenal and an in-form Wolves, whilst picking up points against Leicester, West Ham, Spurs and Man City. James Ward-Prowse is leading his side for goals and is having a remarkable individual campaign, supported by the emergence of talented Albanian Armando Broja. The hosts have not lost in eight games at St. Mary’s, and Ralph Hasenhuttl’s side will be confident in seeing off a Coventry side with just two wins in their last 10 league games, who have typically performed far better on home soil this season.
Wigan to beat Stoke – 18/5
If you’re looking for a fourth round upset, this tie could be the one. Wigan are one of the most in-form teams in England right now, having not lost in 20 games since the end of October. They are second in league League One by just three points, with two games in hand over first place Rotherham. The Latics also have the best away record in the league. They have won seven of their last eight on the road and haven’t lost away from home since the opening day of the season. They will be confident travelling to face a Stoke team that have lost four of their last five league games at home, and Leam Richardson will be looking to keep the momentum rolling.
Everton to beat Brentford – 11/10
Everton’s poor campaign thus far has left them hovering above the relegation zone. They have entrusted Frank Lampard with the job of saving their season, and his first task will be to navigate a tricky Cup tie. The former Chelsea boss has already made his intentions clear by signing Donny van de Beek on loan, and Dele Alli on a permanent deal. The pair are certain to provide a creative spark, and their lack of playing time at former clubs has left them with a point to prove. The Toffees will be hoping for some of that new manager bounce-back as they welcome a Brentford side coming off of four straight defeats.
Leicester to beat Nottingham Forest – 21/20
Forest were one of the feel-good stories of the last round, as they battled past Arsenal in a well-deserved 1-0 win at the City Ground. Their results have also been positive in the league since that victory, and they now sit just two points outside the play-off places. Although the visitors aren’t in the best form coming into this game, Brendan Rogers will fancy his side’s chances of retaining their title and becoming the third team to win back-to-back FA Cup’s since the turn of the millennium. After a 10 day break, we wouldn’t be surprised to see the Foxes close to full strength, and it looks like it will be a difficult task for Forest to overcome the former Premier League Champions.
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