Saturday 21st April 2018
FA Cup Semi-Final
Manchester United v Tottenham Hotspur 17:15
A huge FA Cup semi-final to take in here as Premier League heavyweights – Man Utd and Spurs – do battle at Wembley.
With Spurs playing all their home games at Wembley this season then the first thing to take into account is this is really a home game for the Londoners. Whether you feel that’s fair, or not, it should give Spurs an advantage and that’s reflected in the 90 mins match betting with Man Utd 3.20, the Draw 3.30 and Spurs the favourites at 2.25.
To win the tie outright then Spurs are a much-shorter 1.50, with United 2.50, while if you fancy either of these sides to go onto lift the FA Cup then you’ll be rewarded with Man Utd 3.50 and Spurs 2.75.
What are the stats saying?
Based on recent head-to-heads then it’s still a tough game to call. They’ve played twice already this season in the league – with a win a-piece, while their FA Cup head-to-head record could not be any tighter – they’ve played 15 times in this competition with the current standings five wins each and 5 draws!!
It’s worth pointing out that Spurs have won 2 of their last 3 against United but it’s also worth noting that United have won three of their last 6 against Spurs 1-0. A repeat of that score can be backed at 10.00.
It goes without saying Spurs’ Harry Kane and United’s Lukaku, who both lead the way for their clubs in the league this season, will be popular in the scoring markets. Kane is 4.00 to score 1st and 1.90 anytime, while Lukaku is 7.00 (1st) or 3.00 anytime.
Looking at the Overs/Unders then with 4 of the last 6 head-to-heads going Under 2.5 goals then at 1.80 there still looks to be some value here and 3 of United’s last 4 games in this competition also saw less than 3 goals scored. It is worth pointing out that 4 of Spurs’ last 6 FA Cup games went the other way though – with Over 2.5 goals.
With that in mind, the overs/unders might be best left alone. The more consistent head-to-head stat in recent clashed has been BOTH TEAMS ‘NOT’ TO SCORE. This bet has paid out on 7 of the last 8 clashes (88%) so the 2.00 on offer looks cracking value.
Yes, if one side takes the lead then then other has nothing to lose in a game like this. However, United haven’t conceded in this competition this season and there is every chance both sides could shut the other out anyway – we’d also be covered here if the game ends 0-0!
BEST BET – BOTH TEAMS NOT TO SCORE @2.00
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Saturday 21st April 2018
FA Cup Semi-Final
Manchester United v Tottenham Hotspur 17:15
– Already met twice this season in the league
– Spurs 2-0 Man Utd & Man Utd 1-0 Spurs
– Met in the FA Cup 15 times, Spurs 5, Draw 5, Man Utd 5
– Spurs have won 2 of the last 3 head-to-heads
– 4 of the last 6 head-to-heads went UNDER 2.5 GOALS
– Both teams DIDN’T score in 7 of the last 8 head-to-heads
– 3 DRAWS in the last 11 head-to-heads
– Man Utd have won 3 of the last 6 head-to-heads 1-0
– 4 of Spurs last 6 FA Cup games went OVER 2.5 GOALS
– Man Utd have NOT conceded in the FA Cup this season
– 3 of Man Utd’s last 4 FA Cup games went UNDER 2.5 GOALS