The FA Cup quarter-finals arrive this weekend as eight teams bid to move a step closer to winning the competition.

With traditional Big Four members Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester United having already been eliminated, hopes are high among the remaining sides.

Holders Chelsea are the only side left of the supposed Premier League heavyweights, while top-flight Tottenham, Aston Villa, Birmingham, Fulham, Stoke and Portsmouth are also still standing.

Championship outfit Reading are the only team still flying the flag for the Football League after causing a number of upsets on their journey to the quarter-finals.

Crisis-club Portsmouth, who defeated rivals Southampton in the fifth round, welcome Birmingham to Fratton Park on Saturday lunchtime to kick-off proceedings and the South Coast club will want some more welcome relief.

Pompey, tournament winners in 2008, have been immersed in misery this season as they prop up the Premier League and they have entered administration, while Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs is still knocking at the door.

In contrast, Birmingham have enjoyed an excellent campaign and Alex McLeish's men are still in contention for a Europa League spot at the same time as pursuing a place in the semi-finals.

But, the Cup has proved a welcom relief so far, and Portsmouth look a decent punt at 13/8 to move into the semis with home advanatge. Birmingham will also give it their best shot with relegation no longer a threat. But, despite their lofty league position their away form has not been that great and they look poor value at 9/5 even.

London rivals Fulham and Tottenham meet at Craven Cottage on Saturday evening for possibly the most intriguing contest of the round. The home side can be backed at 11/5 with VC Bet and that looks worth a second look. Fulham have only lost three at home all season, and their recent run of form has been top class, especially with Bobby Zamora in such fine form. danny Murphy looks set to miss out.

Spurs are too short given their away form (only five away wins) at 6/4. The sides have met at the Cottage in the league with honours even.

Reading have claimed the title of this season's shock specialists as Brian McDermott's second-tier strugglers have scalped Liverpool, Burnley and West Brom to leave them relatively undaunted by the arrival of Aston Villa.

Martin O'Neill's Villa, though, will be in a determined mood after last weekend's Carling Cup final defeat to Manchester United. But, Reading might have enough about them to force a replay and backing them on the Asian Handicap is a good option. Especially if there is any hangover from Wembley.

Premier League leaders Chelsea's clash with Stoke, conquerors of mega-rich Manchester City in the last round, at Stamford Bridge completes the round as the Potters bid to end the Blues' defence of the cup. As Stoke proved at Eastlands in the last round, they are taking this seriously.

They will be in Cheslea's face from the off and with a more combative 4-4-2 formation, Tony Pulis's men may cause an upset. A small bet at 12s on the exchanges won't be the worst punt you have this season.

Published 05-03-2010

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