Palace Can Defy The FA Cup Trends
It’s the last 16 of the FA Cup this weekend and there are seven clubs from the Premier League left in the competition. Despite some shocks in the earlier rounds the cream usually rises to the top. There is one tie bringing together teams from the top division which could have six representatives in the last eight. However, with Chelsea hosting Manchester United only two of those at most will be from the top six.
The average finishing position of the Cup winners is fourth in the Premier League but this year could see a different outcome. CRYSTAL PALACE play at Doncaster in the fifth round and look a decent bet at 10/1 with bet365 to be running around Wembley with the trophy in May. The favourites, Manchester City, have other fish to fry. One of Chelsea or Manchester United will not be in the last eight.
Five ties this weekend are between teams from the Premier League and the Championship. Seven of 13 Premier League outfits that are out were eliminated by clubs from a lower division. There have been a lower than average number of fixtures involving two teams from the top flight and there is only one in the fifth round. QPR host Watford tonight in a meeting of teams from the highest two divisions.
The home team are 18th in the Championship and have lost five league matches on the bounce. Their opponents are 8th in the Premier League so safe from relegation. The higher ranked team have not conceded in four of their last five matches but may field a weakened team. However, the strength of each squad means the bet is WATFORD TO WIN TO NIL at 2/1 with bet365.
Kalashnikov won the Betfair Hurdle last season. The horse graduated from the handicap company that contested the race in 2018 being run again on Saturday to finish second in the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival. He was immediately sent novice chasing and has a prep race today in that division for the Arkle Chase at the Festival. KALASHNIKOV has the form and ratings to win the Grade 2 novice chase at Sandown (1,50pm) at 1/2 with Coral.
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