Last year the FA Cup showed why it is one of the most revered cup competitions in world football. We had Manchester United drawing 0-0 with Cambridge United, Middlesbrough beating Manchester City at the Etihad and Chelsea losing at home to Bradford having been 2-0 up. We all love the history of the FA Cup but more so we love an underdog turning over a short odds favourite.
In the end the famous trophy returned to north London as Arsenal won at Wembley for the second season in a row. This time around Arsene Wenger’s side are longer odds with the bookies than the three top clubs already mentioned. If Jose Mourinho, Manuel Pellegrini and Louis van Gaal can navigate their teams around the banana skins they’ll each have a good chance of getting to Wembley.
As ever the Premier League clubs dominate the betting with Middlesbrough the shortest priced Championship team at 100/1 across the board. Cardiff were the last team from outside the top flight to get to the final in 2008 and you have to go all the way back to West Ham in 1980 for the last second tier team to lift the trophy.
FA Cup Contenders
- Chelsea – Mourinho’s men are the favourites to win their first FA Cup since beating Liverpool 2-1 in 2012. After that shock defeat to Bradford the Portuguese manager said it was exactly the reason why he loves the competition but inwardly he must have been fuming. Last year’s League Cup winners clearly know how to win domestic cup competitions and they have a strong history in the FA Cup having lifted the trophy seven times. They are 6/1 with Bet365 to make that eight and will take some stopping.
- Manchester City – City have not exactly enjoyed the FA Cup in recent years. They famously lost to Wigan at Wembley in the 2012/13 season and then lost to the same side at home the following year. Having been given a stay of executing, Chilean boss Pellegrini will be desperate to be the catalyst for more success at the Etihad and the fans would love another trip to Wembley. At 7/1 with Bet365 their incredibly talented squad could go all the way if they maintain high levels of motivation.
- Manchester United – After a couple of years without a trophy the red half of Manchester is crying out for some success. They’ll be looking to mount a serious title challenge but the FA Cup could offer Van Gaal’s team a great route back to winning. The Dutchman will have learnt all about the competition last year and they look a great bet at 8/1 with Bet365.
- Arsenal – The defending champions are getting used to success in the FA Cup. Their most impressive performance in the cup last year was when they knocked Manchester United out at Old Trafford. Apart from that their route to Wembley was relatively easy and a big test this season may see the 9/1 shots with BetVictor relinquish their grip on the trophy.
With 11 FA Cup wins, Manchester United have a wonderful pedigree in the FA Cup. They are a very strong team with a huge fan base that is desperate for domestic success once again. At 8/1 with Bet365, Dutch boss LVG has a great opportunity to mark his time in charge with a major trophy.