Previews

Holders close in on repeat

Author: Lynda Collins
Date: 13/02/2010
Football betting

FA Cup holders Chelsea face a potential banana skin in this season's fifth round with Championship high-flyers Cardiff City making the trip from Wales to London on Saturday.

Bluebirds boss Dave Jones knows his side have nothing to lose as they prepare to face Frank Lampard, Didier Drogba and several other international stars in their highly anticipated showdown.

As expected, Carlo Ancelotti's big-hitters are the overwhelming sportsbook favourites not only to win at the weekend, but to win this year's competition.

With Manchester United, Liverpool and Arsenal already eliminated that leaves Tottenham Hotspur, Aston Villa and Manchester City as Chelsea's chief rivals this term.

Will Chelsea justify their favourites tag and retain the FA Cup this season? - Latest Football Betting

Perhaps the clash that tickles the taste buds more than most is Southampton's home tie against fierce south coast rivals Portsmouth.

Alan Pardew's League One side have a real opportunity to cause an upset with Avram Grant's outfit rooted at the foot of the Premier League table - and this is a distraction they could probably do without.

Pompey, under Harry Redknapp, won the sought after prize in 2008, but it would take a monumental effort to repeat these efforts.

In-form Birmingham City travel from the west to the East Midlands as they lock horns with Nigel Clough's Derby County.

Alex McLeish's men have a realistic opportunity of going far in the competition but the Rams may fancy claiming a quarter-final berth themselves.

Reading, who have dismissed Liverpool and Burnley so far, have been rewarded with a home match against fellow Championship side West Bromwich Albion.

The Royals have struggled so far this term but Albion are up at the right end of the table as they chase promotion back to the Premier League.

However, form can well and truly go out of the window on FA Cup days.

Roberto Di Matteo will want to pit his wits against the big guns in the final stages of the tournament as the Baggies seek to secure a win over Brian McDermott's men.

The evening kick-off will see Roberto Mancini's Manchester City tackle Stoke City.

With players like Emmanuel Adebayor, Carlos Tevez, Gareth Barry and Shay Given at the Italian's disposal, they should win through.

But the gritty industrious Potters are continuing to surprise many this term as they excel in the Premier League and they won't go without a fight.

BET NOW