FA Cup Fifth Round Draw and Latest Betting Odds

It appears as if everyone is just desiring to hand the FA Cup right back to Chelsea this season, as at the conclusion of the fourth round, main challengers Liverpool, Arsenal and Manchester United have all departed the competition. United famously fell by the wayside in a dismal performance against League One side Leeds, while Liverpool failed to overcome resilient Championship strugglers Reading in a replay at Anfield. Now, Arsenal have also followed suit, largely aided by Arsene Wenger not fielding his strongest side, resulting in a loss away to Stoke. After hitting the summit of the Premier League in midweek, Arsene Wenger threw out a youth side to take on Stoke, something which back-fired as they couldn’t get into any kind of flow or rhytymn. The return of Sol Campbell didn’t do a great deal for a very inexperienced side, as Stoke striker Ricardo Fuller scored a brace to run out 3-1 winners.

United’s conquerors Leeds earned themselves a replay against Tottenham, thanks to a late injury time penalty in a thrilling match, which star player Jermain Beckford buried with some assured, cool confidence. If they can overcome Spurs at Elland Road, then they will be rewarded with another away tie against Premier League side Bolton. Reading, who surprised Liverpool in the Third Round, backed up that major triumph by beating more Premier League opposition, taking out Burnley 1-0 at home. All their efforts have been rewarded with another pay day at home, against Championship title challengers West Brom, who buried Newcastle 4-2 on the weekend.

With Liverpool, Arsenal and Manchester United out of the way, it really has opened the door for the likes of Manchester City and Aston Villa to stake a claim on the FA Cup. Villa have already shown their hunger for Cup success this season by reaching the final of the Carling Cup. After a summer of spending and now the appointment of a new boss, Manchester City will fancy their chances of putting a piece of silverware in the cabinet. But Chelsea will remain as strong favourites, as they go hunting for FA Cup, Champions League and Premier League success through the month of February. The cup holders saw of Preston comfortably enough and now head back to Stamford Bridge to take on Championship side Cardiff in the Fifth Round.

FA Cup Fifth Round Draw (ties to take place over the weekend of February 13/14th):
Southampton v Portsmouth
Reading v West Bromwich Albion
Fulham v Notts County/Wigan Athletic
Chelsea v Cardiff City
Bolton Wanderers v Tottenham Hotspur/Leeds United
Derby County v Birmingham City
Manchester City v Stoke City
Wolverhampton Wanderers or Crystal Palace v Aston Villa

FA Cup Outright Winner Prices
Chelsea – 7/4 at Ladbrokes
Man City – 4/1 at Ladbrokes
Aston Villa – 7/1 at 888Sport
Tottenham – 8/1 at 888Sport
Fulham – 14/1 at 888Sport
Birmingham – 16/1 at Bet365
Portsmouth – 40/1 at Boylesports
Bolton – 40/1 at Totesport
Stoke – 50/1 at SkyBet
Wigan – 50/1 at Bet365
West Brom – 66/1 at Stan James
Leeds – 80/1 at Stan James
Wolves- 80/1 at SkyBet
Reading – 100/1 at SportingBet
Southampton – 150/1 at Bet365
Derby – 200/1 at William Hill
Crystal Palace – 200/1 at Victor Chandler
Cardiff – 200/1 at BetFred