It’s FA Cup quarter-final action for Chelsea as they travel to Old Trafford to take on Manchester United, and they are 4.5 shots with
bet365 and
Betfred to beat their arch rivals.
The Blues have only lost one of their last 38 FA Cup games outright, winning 31 and drawing six and are are now unbeaten in 27 cup games (excluding penalty shootouts) – the longest ever run without defeat by a single side.
However they have never won in five previous FA Cup games at Old Trafford, losing four, drawing one and scoring just one goal in total.
The previous 10 meetings between the two sides in this competition have resulted in eight wins for United compared to 2 for Chelsea, so they will clearly have to be right on top of their game to get the desired result and secure their place in the semi-finals at the first time of asking.
Rafa Benitez will be well aware, however, that this is probably their best chance of getting any silverware this season and is sure to have his players up for the challenge in what promises to be a thrilling end-to-end encounter will plenty of goals.
One player in particular who has been in fantastic form this season and in this competition especially is Juan Mata.
He has scored five goals and assisted seven in just 10 appearances in the FA Cup, and his performance is likely to have a major impact on the outcome of this match.
The Spaniard is an 11 chance with
bet365 and to net the opener, and can also be backed at a 3.75 with
bet365 and
Betfred to net anytime.
The last six meetings between these sides in all competitions have seen 30 goals scored, with 14 netted in just two meetings so far this term, so over 2.5 looks a solid punt at the 1.67 on offer with
bet365,
Boylesports and
Paddy Power.
In the correct score market, I like the look of a 2-1 win for Chelsea at odds of 15 with
bet365 and
Betfred.