The FA Cup fourth round draw has been made, with Arsenal v Manchester United the standout tie. Here we take a look at the outright odds to lift the famous old trophy.
Manchester City – 3.70
Manchester City lost ground in their Premier League title race in December and might have a hard time keeping up with Liverpool. However, they still have the FA Cup to play for, where Liverpool have been eliminated to take solace from. The last time they won the trophy was in the 2010/11 season when they beat Stoke City by a 1-0 scoreline. This season will be a bit different as they have been ranked as the favourite to win the competition, thanks in part to how they have been playing under Pep Guardiola. They have drawn Burnley in the next round, a team they beat 5-0 earlier in the season.
Chelsea – 6.25
The FA Cup presents Maurizio Sarri an excellent chance to win silverware in his first season as Chelsea boss. The defending champions have a home tie against the winner of Sheffield Wednesday v Luton, making it no surprise that they are the second favourites to win the trophy. One thing for certain is that they will fight all the way to make it to the final.
Tottenham – 8.50
Mauricio Pochettino came out to openly declare that his contract with Tottenham is secure despite failed attempts in the past to win cup competitions. That notwithstanding, they will be very much in the running to win this year’s FA Cup. They have a squad that has reached maturity, and whereas they have repeatedly maintained a good position in the table, they are desperate to win a trophy. The next round sees Spurs travel to London rivals Crystal Palace, who they have defeated five times in a row.
Manchester United – 10.00
Manchester United fans can smile once again following their recent triumphs. The arrival of Ole Gunner Solskjaer has brought with it good tidings on the pitch. From a team that was quite the representation of gloom a few weeks ago, United are now thriving and playing some impressive attacking football. If they can maintain the same levels we have seen over the last few weeks then it goes without saying that they stand a good chance of winning the trophy. They were last year’s runners-up and what a better way to avenge last year’s loss than with a triumph this year. If they win their next round game, against Arsenal at the Emirates, the Red Devils will be feeling confident.
Arsenal – 12.25
Unai Emery and his Arsenal side await United in the next round, and the Spaniard is another new manager looking for a trophy in his first season in England. The Gunners have a proud record in the FA Cup, as they have won it in three of the last five seasons. Whether they can maintain the standards set by the legendary Arsene Wenger will remain to be seen.