The quarter finals of the FA Cup are here, with the first game for Saturday being Birmingham against Bolton.
Birmingham already won one cup this year, Carling Cup in a final few weeks ago against Arsenal, winning with 2:1, a late goal scored by Obafeme Martins after a ridiculous misunderstanding between a defender and the goalie.
Currently Birmingham is 17th, just above the red zone, but with an equal amount of points as the 18th (31) West Ham. Since the team won the Carling Cup, they have recorded a loss and a draw in the past two Premier League rounds. However seems like Birmingham puts an extra effort in the cup tournaments this year. Let’s not forget that this cup gives the winner a chance to compete in Europa League.
However if the winner is already qualified, say Manchester United or Arsenal or Manchester City, the runner up gets the spot. If that team is qualified as well the next one gets it and so on. So qualifying for the semi-final gives you about 50% to participate in next season’s edition of Europa League.
Bolton are currently 7th, with 40 points, 9 points ahead of Birmingham, which in points is a very small difference but in places, it’s 10 places apart. This year, the density in the table is enormous and it can’t be predicted who will leave Premier League. In the FA Cup, Bolton eliminated Wigan then Fulham to get to here, and in the same time recorded 2 victories and a draw in the last 3 Premier League games.
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Appointed for the favorite in this game by the bookmakers Bolton has the odds to win at 2.50. Most recent visit of Bolton on St Andrew’s resulting in a victory with 2:1 back in 2009.
Before that game however the team had a record of W1 D2 L7, giving the advantage of Birmingham who have achieved 7 victories here against their opponent. On top of that Birmingham’s performance in Carling Cup was impressive and they are my favorite for this game.
I’ll back Birmingham for several reasons. First the draw was kind enough to them, to give them the home field advantage. Second as the winner of the Carling Cup, they team, the players gained enough confidence that they can get to the final of the FA Cup as well, and why not win it too? Yes Bolton is a good opponent, however the 7th spot for now guarantees them a place in Europa League, which might lower their ambitions for this cup. Birmingham on the other hand seems to be far far away from those places so this is another reason for them to try getting as far in the tournaments as possible.
Recommended Bet:
Birmingham to win @ 2.90 (Bet365)
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