English FA Cup Fifth Round 18th and 19th February
The Premier League takes a back seat this weekend as the Fifth Round of the FA Cup takes centre stage. There is only one all-Premiership tie and that pits a rejuvenated Sunderland against Arsenal. The two sides met in the Premier League only last weekend, Arsenal prevailing 2-1 after going a goal down. That game could have gone either way and the Gunners may be vulnerable after their midweek Champions League exertions.
Chelsea face a tough fixture against Birmingham at Stamford Bridge. City have been in flying form on their travels recently and are now sitting third in the Championship. With Chelsea struggling to sustain any sort of league form, a confidence boosting Cup win would help to placate the fans. Manager Villas-Boas has come under increasing scrutiny in recent weeks and failure on Saturday followed by defeat in the Champions League would surely test Roman Abramovich’s patience to the full.
Liverpool have already reached one Wembley final and will fancy their chances of moving closer to a second as they host Brighton whereas Tottenham and Stoke face opposition from the lower leagues. Tottenham travel to Stevenage and Stoke are the visitors to Crawley Town. Everton host Blackpool in an all-northern clash whilst Millwall welcome Premiership strugglers Bolton Wanderers and Norwich face Leicester City.
Saturday 18th February; Chelsea v Birmingham City, Everton v Blackpool, Millwall v Bolton Wanderers, Norwich v Leicester City, Sunderland v Arsenal
Sunday 19th February; Crawley Town v Stoke City, Stevenage Borough v Tottenham Hotspur, Liverpool v Brighton
SportsBet make Chelsea favourites at $1.30 to beat Birmingham ($11.00) with the draw paying $5.00. Everton are $1.44 to beat Blackpool ($7.50) with the draw offered at $4.20. Arsenal are favourites at $2.30 to defeat Sunderland ($3.10) for the second time in just over a week.
