Another weekend of elite-level soccer has arrived, and we’re here to supplement your betting needs for the semi-final fixtures scheduled for an English FA Cup weekend at Wembley.
Continue reading our betting previews and soccer odds from the English FA Cup fixtures involving Man City vs. Chelsea, Coventry City vs. Manchester United and some extra best bets across both leagues for good measure.
Picks Summary
- Manchester City–Chelsea Both Teams to Score (-162) at Caesars Sportsbook (check our Caesars Sportsbook Review)
- Coventry City–Manchester United Both Teams to Score (-163) at Bet365 (check our Bet365 Review)
Manchester City vs. Chelsea FC
Saturday, April 20, 2024 – 12:15 PM ET at Wembley Stadium
Manchester City
The defending Champions League titleholders are no more, as Los Blancos put them through the wringer in back-to-back meetings and eliminated Manchester City from the competition on Wednesday. With only two days to rest, Pep Guardiola must now formulate a plan to overcome Chelsea in an all-import FA Cup semi-final clash at the intimidating Wembley Stadium.
The potential absence of key players De Bruyne and Haaland, who requested to be taken off before City’s penalty shootout loss, is a major concern for Citizens’ supporters. Their condition could significantly influence Pep’s line-up this weekend, adding a layer of uncertainty to the game.
Chelsea
Chelsea will be reveling in the chance that two of City’s best players are either worn down or potentially injured, especially when they traveled to the Etihad in February and managed to hold the hosts to a 1-1 draw.
A ninth-place position in the EPL table isn’t that of a threatening team. However, it doesn’t tell the entire story. Chelsea’s form of late has notably leveled up, and they’re undefeated in eight consecutive domestic meetings.
In addition, this club is no stranger to high-profile FA Cup ties, as Saturday’s trip to the capital will mark their 27th appearance as an FA Cup semi-finalist. However, it’s concerning that Man City has eliminated Chelsea in 5 of their previous 7 games in this competition.
FA Cup Semi-Final Prediction, Odds & Trends
The FA Cup odds, without hesitation, place Manchester City as the betting favorites. We must, however, throw the rule book out of the window. The dramatic events and occurrences within the FA Cup are why this competition is legendary, and anything, despite current form and results, can happen.
For the reasons above, selecting a victor during this stage of the tournament is almost foolish. Fortunately, we have a plethora of alternative betting markets to evaluate, and both teams’ appearing on the scoresheet is probable.
Man City, with or without Haaland and De Bruyne at full fitness, are capable of scoring on any given day. They are entering this game with tired legs, though, and as Cole Palmer continues to challenge Haaland in the Golden Boot race, this Blues squad can also hit the back net in this highly anticipated fixture.
Score Prediction: Man City 1 – Chelsea 1
Supporting Trends
- Both teams scored in the previous two meetings between Manchester City and Chelsea.
- Chelsea have been held to a clean sheet on just one occasion this season.
- Manchester City owns the best goal-scoring record (76) in the Premier League.
- Manchester City and Chelsea have scored 26 goals combined in the FA Cup this term.
Soccer Pick: Manchester City–Chelsea Both Teams to Score (-162) at Caesars Sportsbook
Coventry City vs. Manchester United
Sunday, April 21, 2024 – 10:30 AM ET at Wembley Stadium
COVENTRY CITY
As a Coventry native, I’ll attempt to provide analysis without bias. However, given The Sky Blues’ FA Cup efforts this season, the statistics and performances truly speak for themselves.
With 19 goals scored in their journey to the FA Cup semi-final, no other team has netted more than CCFC in this competition. They’ve also fired on all cylinders in the Championship, scoring 66 from 42 games this season.
Can the Sky Blues become the first Championship side to reach the FA Cup final since 2008? The dream is certainly alive, and this squad is undoubtedly capable on their best day. Given their success over Wolves in the previous round, don’t be surprised if City shocks the footballing landscape again.
MANCHESTER UNITED
The Red Devils have been winless in 90 minutes in all competitions since March 9th, and this recent form could complicate matters for Eric Ten Hag and his squad when faced with an unfamiliar Coventry City.
Championship football is an entirely different beast, and for United to garner success, they must adapt against a hungry team chasing a playoff position in the league below.
The talent-level differences are obvious, but FA Cup games require heart, desire and determination to succeed. United did display this after triumphing over Liverpool in added extra time last time out, but they mustn’t overlook a lower-caliber team on Sunday, especially with their recent rocky form.
FA Cup Semi-Final Prediction, Odds & Trends
The top-rated sportsbooks were always going to favor an EPL side over a Championship team, but we can expect the unexpected whenever this tournament reaches its final eight. Now, into the final four, Coventry is the only non-EPL side present, and Mark Robins is a manager who thrives in the attacking playbook.
Given United’s defensive frailties this term and Coventry’s final-third capabilities, the underdogs can, at the very least, get on the scoresheet at Wembley. Of course, we can expect a high-tempo retaliation, and backing both teams to score supports this potential.
Score Prediction: Coventry 1 – Manchester United 1
Supporting Trends
- Coventry scored two goals away from home against Wolves in the FA Cup quarter-finals.
- Manchester United have scored at least one goal in every competition fixture since December.
- Coventry has scored at least one goal in 9 of their previous 10 games in all competitions.
- Both teams have scored in 6 of Manchester United’s previous 7 games in all competitions.
- Both teams have scored in 6 of Coventry’s previous 7 games in all competitions.
Soccer Pick: Coventry City–Manchester United Both Teams to Score (-163) at Bet365
Extra European Soccer Best Bets
Luton Town vs. Brentford London FC – English Premier League
- When: Saturday, April 20, 10:00 AM ET
- Best Bet: Luton Double Chance (-150) at Caesars Sportsbook
Aston Villa FC vs. AFC Bournemouth – English Premier League
- When: Sunday, April 21, 10:00 AM ET
- Best Bet: Villa ML (-115) at Caesars Sportsbook
*The line and/or odds referenced in this article might have changed since the content was published. For the latest information on line movements, visit OddsTrader’s free betting odds tool.
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