Year of the Underdog? – FA Cup final four all hopeful
Looking back over the last few years, the FA Cup has been won predominantly by big sides, with Manchester United, Chelsea and Arsenal all winning the trophy in the last three years. This year, however, it looks more likely than ever that one of the lesser Premier League sides will win the competition, so how do all the sides stack up?
- Manchester City – 4/11
This is the one side that, if they win the FA Cup, would be a continuation of the norm. However, Pep Guardiola’s Citizens have been under the radar this year in their pursuit of the quadruple, already winning the Carabao Cup. The quarter final was a struggle for City as they overcame Swansea, in large part thanks to officiating errors, which will come as a positive for Brighton in the semi-finals.
- Wolves – 4/1
Just a few years ago, Wolves fans would have laughed if you had said they would be second favourites to win the FA Cup and have a chance at a European adventure. This season, under Nuno Espirito Santo has brought the best out of a team that wasn’t hugely dissimilar to the team that won promotion. A semi-final against Watford represents a great chance to get to a major final.
- Watford – 9/1
The Hornets are a dangerous side this year, with Javi Gracia guiding them to a comfortable mid-table spot and a chance to win the FA Cup. With players like Gerard Deulofeu and Troy Deeney, they have a lot of quality and the ability to grind out a result. Wolves stand in the way of reaching the final, in a game that both sides will fancy themselves to win.
- Brighton – 14/1
Millwall will be very unhappy that they don’t fill this spot, being 2-0 up against Brighton in the 88th minute. The Seagulls managed to overcome the Lions on penalties, with a Wembley semi-final being the reward. There is a question of fate for Chris Hughton and his team, with the manner of the quarter final win and the ability of the team to rest players where Pep Guardiola and Manchester City are fighting on all fronts.
(Odds are taken from Ladbrokes)
Who will win the FA Cup? Let me know in the comments and on twitter (@HalfTime_Cuppa)!
