FA Cup Draw

Chelsea are a best price of 11/8 to retain the FA Cup after they were drawn at home to Manchester City or Stoke in the next round.

Carlo Ancelotti's Chelsea cruised past Cardiff in the fifth round and their reward for the 4-1 win is a date with big-spending City or Stoke, who drew 1-1 on Saturday evening, at Stamford Bridge. The first time they have been drawn against Premier League opposition this year.

The other matches will see Portsmouth host Birmingham, Bolton or Tottenham at Fulham, and Reading or West Brom will host Crystal Palace or Aston Villa.

Portsmouth experienced a rare high in their fifth-round victory over South Coast rivals Southampton and, if still financially afloat, will welcome Alex McLeish's Birmingham after the Second City side left it late to see of Derby at Pride Park.

Bolton and Tottenham drew 1-1 at the Reebok Stadium on Sunday afternoon and the winner of the replay will travel to Craven Cottage to take on Fulham, who swept aside troubled Notts County.

Championship rivals Reading and West Brom drew 2-2 on Saturday and the eventual winner will host the victors from the replay between Crystal Palace and Aston Villa after the Premier League side grabbed a last-gasp 2-2 draw at Selhurst Park. The Carling cup finalists are second favourites in the betting at 6/1 with Ladbrokes, but with the replay taking place in the week running up to the Carling Cup final it is anything but a given.

Their City rivals Birmingham could be the value at 12/1 with bet265. They have proved very hard to beat this season and a trip to Pompey will hold no fear for them. If they can avoid Chelsea in the semi's then 12/1 looks a great each way price.

Published 15-02-2010

< return to the home page