Our soccer expert shares betting tips and previews some of the key games in the FA Cup quarter-finals this weekend as Liverpool and Manchester City look to maintain their treble hopes this season.

 

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Manchester City vs Newcastle (Saturday 17:30 UTC)

The FA Cup quarter-finals pit Manchester City against Newcastle United in a highly anticipated clash at the Etihad Stadium. Manchester City, known for their attacking ability, enters the match with confidence. In the previous round, City dismantled Luton City with a resounding 6-2 victory, spearheaded by Erling Haaland's remarkable five-goal haul. However, their defence showed signs of vulnerability, conceding two goals in the process.

While City managed a 1-1 draw against Liverpool in the Premier League, they've struggled to replicate their dominant form in recent weeks. The absence of key players like Kevin De Bruyne, Ederson Moraes, and Jack Grealish due to injuries further complicates matters for Pep Guardiola's side.

Newcastle United, on the other hand, enters the quarter-finals after overcoming Blackburn Rover in the previous round. Despite conceding a goal in their 1-1 draw, Newcastle emerged victorious in the ensuing penalty shootout, with Anthony Gordon showcasing nerves of steel with the winning spot-kick. In the Premier League, Newcastle suffered a narrow 3-2 defeat to Chelsea, with Alexander Isak and Jacob Murphy getting on the scoresheet. Despite their mid-table position, Newcastle remains a dangerous opponent, capable of causing an upset on their day. However, injuries to key players like Kieran Trippier, Nick Pope, and Callum Wilson, along with doubts over Anthony Gordon's availability, present significant challenges for Eddie Howe's side.

Manchester City may look to assert their dominance from the outset, employing their trademark possession-based style to control the tempo of the game. Quick passing and fluid movement in the final third could unlock Newcastle's defence,  On the other hand, Newcastle United might adopt a compact defensive block, aiming to frustrate City and hit them on the counterattack. Deploying a disciplined defensive approach and capitalising on City's defensive vulnerabilities could provide Newcastle with opportunities to snatch a result. The midfield battle will be crucial, with both teams looking to dominate possession and dictate play. Ultimately, the team that executes their game plan effectively and capitalises on key moments will likely emerge victorious and secure a spot in the semi-finals of the FA Cup.

Manchester City are priced at 1.247 win and Newcastle United to win is 10.920, the over is at 3.25 and priced at 1.82.

 

Chelsea vs Leicester City (Sunday 12:45 UTC)

The FA Cup quarter-finals present an intriguing matchup between Chelsea and Leicester City at Stamford Bridge. Chelsea enters the clash with confidence after securing victories in both the FA Cup and the Premier League. In the previous round, Chelsea emerged victorious against Leeds United with a hard-fought 3-2 win, with Nicolas Jackson, Mykhailo Mudryk, and Conor Callagher getting on the scoresheet.

In the Premier League, Chelsea dispatched Newcastle United 3-2, further bolstering good form. Despite their 11th position in the league, Chelsea remains a formidable opponent, boasting a talented squad capable of competing on multiple fronts. However, injuries to key players like Ben Chilwell, Reece James, and Christopher Nkunku pose tactical challenges for Mauricio Pochettino's side.

Leicester City, meanwhile, arrives at Stamford Bridge with momentum after securing a hard-fought victory over Bournemouth in the previous round. Abdul Fatawu's extra-time winner sealed Leicester's progression to the quarter-finals, highlighting their resilience and determination.

In the Championship, Leicester currently occupies the top spot, showcasing their dominance in the English second division. However, injuries to key players like Ricardo Pereira, Dennis Praet, and Kasey McAteer, along with doubts over player availability, present significant challenges for Enzo Marescas' side as they prepare to face top-flight opposition.

Chelsea may look to leverage their home advantage and assert dominance from the outset, pressing high up the pitch and capitalising on Leicester's defensive vulnerabilities. Quick transitions and fluid attacking movements could expose gaps in Leicester's defence, while set-piece situations present opportunities for Chelsea to find the back of the net. With Jackson leading the line, Chelsea will aim to maintain sustained pressure and create scoring opportunities. On the other hand, Leicester City might adopt a resilient defensive approach, aiming to absorb Chelsea's attacks and hit them on the counter. Deploying a disciplined defensive structure and capitalising on set-piece situations could provide Leicester with opportunities to snatch a result.

For this game, Chelsea is 1.429 win, and Leicester City to win is priced at 6.950 the over is at 3, priced at 1.877.

 

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Manchester United vs Liverpool (Sunday 15:30 UTC)

The FA Cup quarter-finals present a classic showdown between Manchester United and Liverpool, reigniting one of English football's most storied rivalries. Manchester United enters the match on the back of a hard-fought victory over Nottingham Forest, secured by a late goal from Casimero. In the Premier League, United dispatched Everton 2-0, with Bruno Fernandes and Marcus Rashford finding the net from the penalty spot.

Despite their inconsistency in the league, United remains a formidable opponent. However, injuries to key players like Luke Shaw, Lisandro Martinez, and Mason Mount, along with doubts over Rasmus Hojlund and Harry Maguire, pose tactical challenges for Erik ten Hag’s side.

On the other hand, Liverpool arrives at the quarter-finals following a convincing 3-0 win over Southampton in the previous round. Goals from Lewis Koumas and Jayden Danns highlighted Liverpool's attacking power, while a draw against title rivals Manchester City showcased their resilience. Despite injuries to Trent Alexander-Arnold and Diogo Jota, Liverpool boasts a strong squad capable of competing at the highest level. The absence of Alisson Becker further complicates matters, but Liverpool remains a formidable opponent.

Manchester United may adopt a patient approach, looking to build up play patiently from the back and exploit any gaps in Liverpool's defence. The midfield trio of Bruno Fernandes, Marcus Rashford, and Alejandro Garnacho will be crucial in orchestrating United's attacking movements, with Fernandes' creativity and vision will be key in unlocking Liverpool's backline. Marcus Rashford's pace and movement will be vital in stretching Liverpool's defence and creating space for his teammates to exploit.

Liverpool will look to maintain their trademark high press to disrupt Manchester United's build-up play and regain possession quickly. The midfield will play a pivotal role in shielding the backline and providing defensive cover, while also initiating quick counterattacks. Virgil van Dijk's leadership and aerial presence will be vital in organizing the defence and nullifying the threat of United's attacking players.

Liverpool are favoured at 1.847 and Manchester United to win are priced at 3.920, the over is at 3 and priced at 1.925.

 

Full list of FA Cup fixtures 

Saturday 16th March

Wolves vs Coventry (12:15)

Manchester City vs Newcastle (17:30)

 

Sunday 17th March

Chelsea vs Leicester City (12:45)

Manchester United vs Liverpool (15:30)

 

**Odds are subject to change. Odds accurate as of 10:00 UTC Friday 15th March**

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