Previews

FA Cup back on the agenda

Author: John Harris
Date: 23/01/2010
Football betting

The FA Cup fourth round gets underway on Saturday with both Manchester United and Liverpool having already been knocked out of the competition.

The Red Devils were beaten 1-0 at home by League One leaders Leeds United in round three, while Championship side Reading accounted for the Reds by securing a 2-1 replay win at Anfield.

That has left holders Chelsea as the firm online betting favourites to retain the trophy they won last season thanks to a 2-1 Wembley final success over Everton.

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In round four Carlo Ancelotti's Blues head to Deepdale to take on Preston North End, who recently brought in Darren Ferguson as their new manager following the sacking of Alan Irvine.

The two sides last met in round five of the 2001-02 FA Cup, with Chelsea running out 3-1 winners at Stamford Bridge after the visitors took a shock early lead.

Reading's reward for dumping out Liverpool is a home tie with another Premier League outfit, Burnley, while Aston Villa will fancy their chances of mounting a second cup run of the season when they play host to Brighton & Hove Albion.

Last year's beaten finalists, Everton, welcome fellow top-flight outfit Birmingham City to Goodison Park, with both sides in good form.

City travel to Merseyside unbeaten in their last 14 games in all competitions, while the Toffees secured a superb 2-0 win over Manchester City last time out to move into the top half of the league table.

2008 FA Cup winners Portsmouth, bottom of the Premier League and in dire financial straits, will hope that the competition will bring them some much-needed cheer.

Pompey face Sunderland at Fratton Park and at least have the boost of knowing that the Black Cats have been dismal on their travels this season, with Steve Bruce's side having been thrashed 7-2 at Chelsea last weekend.

Leeds' reward for creating the shock of the third round is a trip to White Hart Lane to take on Tottenham Hotspur in a Saturday evening showdown.

The visitors have been boosted by Jermaine Beckford pledging to remain with the club until the end of the season, with the Whites' leading scorer having been the man to grab the winner at Old Trafford in the last round.

Meanwhile, League Two duo Accrington Stanley and Notts County will be hoping to spring giantkilling acts as they play host to Fulham and Wigan Athletic respectively.

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