THERE’s a change of pace this weekend as the FA Cup takes centre stage.
The world’s oldest cup competition is back and serving up a heavyweight semi-final clash at Wembley, while we’ve also got selections for a key clash in the Premier League’s European race.
Anthony Martial has been in superb form for UnitedCredit: AFP or Licensors
Man Utd vs Chelsea – FA Cup, Sunday 6pm
This has the potential to be an absolute cracker.
Man Utd’s fortunes have changed for the better since January and they actually resemble a football team again.
Amazing what you can achieve when you put round pegs in round holes and play your best players in the correct positions.
United haven’t lifted the FA Cup since 2016 and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer will be desperate to give fans some silverware after a topsy-turvy last two years.
Chelsea meanwhile have been prolific in this competition since the turn of the century, winning it five times and twice finishing as runners-up.
Frank Lampard’s men have two extra days to prepare for this one and we expect that to be a big factor.
United had named the same side for FIVE straight games before Thursday’s clash at Palace, but Ole stuck to his guns and made just one enforced change despite the packed schedule.
We reckon the quick turnaround could have a real say on this one at Wembley, where a fast start could be crucial.
United have won all three meetings this season, with the last a 2-0 victory at Stamford Bridge shortly before lockdown.
Despite that, Chelsea have stepped up in the big games since and have only let themselves down when teams have sat back and asked to break them down.
We’re looking primarily at the losses against West Ham and Sheffield United for examples of that, but remember they’ve beaten Man City, Leicester and Liverpool since March.
The 21/20 on Chelsea making it through to the final is FAR too big, in our opinion.
Lampard loves this competition and will go full strength, while we also expect goals from both sides.
Both teams to score is 7/10 and an easy bet to back, but we also like the even money on Chelsea to win EITHER half.
That’s a massive price in what could be an open game, with United’s defence still under scrutiny despite their excellent recent attacking form.
This could be a cup tie settled on a moment of brilliance – or a set piece.
Willian has been in terrific form in recent weeks although reports suggest that the Brazilian might be on his way out of the Bridge this summer.
He’s playing out of his skin regardless and is the main man for Chelsea on penalties and freekicks.
16/5 to net anytime? That’s absolutely huge, netting you £32 profit from a tenner bet.
SunSport’s best bets
This is how Man Utd could line-up against Chelsea
Tottenham vs Leicester (Premier League, 4pm)
The Foxes turned up when it mattered against Sheffield United.
Brendan Rodgers’ men had won just one of their last five going into the crunch clash against the Blades – and were still reeling from an embarrassing 4-1 trouncing by Bournemouth just days before.
But they were in a dominating mood though on Thursday and fully deserved the three points, going back into the Champions League places on merit and making sure the race remains in their own hands.
This is the game which could decide which side of that top four line they drop though, with Spurs under Jose Mourinho solid if unspectacular over the last month.
They’ve won back-to-back games against Arsenal and Newcastle, as Harry Kane looked back to his usual self with a brace in the North East.
As a result they’re also well in with a shout at European football next season, albeit on Thursday nights.
Spurs made it two wins from two against ToonCredit: EPA
Both of these teams on their day can produce fast, flowing, open attractive football.
And they tend to do it against each other too, with the H2H scores revealing a number of terrific games.
In the last six meetings between the sides, there’s been a ridiculous 28 goals and we expect more on Sunday, despite what is on the line.
Over 2.5 goals is a steal at 10/11, with 10 of Leicester’s 18 away games this season featuring three or more goals.
We see the teams coming out the blocks quickly and would recommended a small play on both teams to score in the first half.
That’s a massive 7/2 and a terrific price considering the history between these two.
When Son Heung-min gets on a roll, he tends to get his goals in bunches.
And that’s exactly what is happening at the moment, with the South Korean forward enjoying a run of two in two.
His last streak – back in January – saw him net six in five games and we reckon he’s a shoe-in for another goal against the Foxes.
At 15/8 to net anytime, he’s by far the value pick.
SunSport best bets
*All odds from Ladbrokes and correct at time of publication.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
