As we all know Man Utd are flying high at the top of the league and look on course to stay there come the end of the season, and while they are still in the Champions League and the FA Cup their fans will be hoping to relive 1999 with another treble winning year!
The FA Cup in recent years has a very similar look to it with the countries leading four sides (Liverpool, Chelsea, Arsenal and Man Utd) winning the famous cup competition 18 times in the last 20 years. So with holders Liverpool already out United at around 5/2 look a solid bet at this stage, knowing that providing they see off Reading and get a kind draw in the Qtr-finals then that price is likely to dip well below the 2/1 mark.
United are now on six wins from their last seven games, including winning their last three games to nil scoring 10 goals. They have also only tasted defeat once (Arsenal back in Sept) in their last 19 games in all competitions at Old Trafford, so even an in-from Reading side will have their work cut out to make it through.
But can Steve Coppell’s men actually do the unthinkable and beat the 13 times Cup winners in their own backyard?
Well, Coppell couldn’t have asked for a better first season in the top flight as his side are up to sixth and hot in contention for a UEFA Cup spot.
They got by Birmingham 3-2 at St Andrews in the last round and have shown a real entertaining ‘never say die’ attitude all season and in their current form I expect goals goals goals in this game with both teams scoring for fun at present. Reading have found the net 25 times in their last nine matches, with England U21 striker Leroy Lita scoring eight of those.
Reading do have a better record at home, but have in fact only lost once on the road in their last six games – and that was 3-2 to Man United back in December.
The bookmakers have made United their 1/3 favourites and are as short as 1/5 in places, with the draw 9/2 and Reading a huge looking 11/1.
To me it will not be a massive shock if United lose, but given their home record it’s hard to see Fergie’s men not being in the hat for the next round. Obviously they are not a backable price as a single in the match odds at long odds-on and although still a short price the 4/6 on their being Over 2.5 goals in the match looks a certainty to return a profit with the scoring form both sides are in.
In the goal scoring markets Ronaldo, who’s bagged three against Reading this term, also looks worthy to give you a run for your money at around 7/4 to add to that tally.
Recommended bets
4pts – Over 2.5 goals
2pts – Ronaldo to score
2pts – United to win the FA Cup
* All prices correct at time of writing.
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