FA Cup Betting: Where the dream lives on

FA Cup / Alsy / 02 January 2009 / Leave a Comment

Some may argue that the FA Cup has been diminished in recent years but Alister Morgan is having none of it. He reckons its unparalleled history still makes the competition a massive draw for fans and clubs alike.

For the past few weeks the FA Cup PR machine has gone into overdrive. Ex-pros are everywhere, journalists produce endless "David" and "Goliath" features as bit-part players prepare to test themselves against the Premier League elite.

Behind all the hype the FA Cup may have ceased to be a top priority for every team. With the closest Premier League race in years and Champions League glory to play for Chelsea, Liverpool, Arsenal and Manchester United might conceivably trade success in the oldest cup competition for a "bigger" prize but regardless they've still enjoyed plenty of success.

Holders Portsmouth were the first club (outside the "big four" elite) to win the FA Cup in over a decade. Success brought European football to Fratton Park for the first time but, for the English aristocracy of football, this venerable old pot provides little more than domestic bragging rights with fourth place in the Premier League the minimum requirement.

After all, it's the yellow-brick road that leads to the richest prize of all: Champions League glory.
Even Harry Redknapp seems to have fallen out of love with the competition commenting that Premier League safety, and next week's Carling Cup semi-final against Burnley, was more important than FA Cup opponents Wigan. It's a little sad that the coach who won last year has replaced his "best day of my life" speech with "bah humbug" this Christmas.

Harry's infamous sense of humour has been diminished by Spurs' current plight but the FA Cup still commands respect elsewhere. A place in the Uefa Cup remains a huge incentive but the competition's primary draw remains the same: its unparalleled history. The fans cherish this unique history and it's their dedication to the competition, and its unique ability to elevate minnows to football greatness, that maintains it special status.

As always money is an important factor but smaller clubs earning an all important FA Cup pay-day only adds to the competition's esteem. There's little financial trickle-down from the Premier League but a good run in the FA Cup often provides a financial lifeline for many clubs while the chance of some major silverware can still make the career of many a manager.

Recent history suggests it will be very difficult for any club to emulate Portsmouth and break the elite stranglehold on the trophy. Even with an eye on richer prizes Arsenal, Liverpool, Chelsea and Man Utd have the resources to maintain a strong presence in multiple competitions.

In the FA Cup Winner market there's not much space between odds for Chelsea [5.4] and Manchester United [5.8]. Liverpool can be backed at a surprisingly generous [9.2] but I suspect that, along with Sir Alex, key players will be rested during this competition.
Scolari and Wenger have less room to manoeuvre and are unlikely to take risks.

Chelsea compete on multiple fronts but the old pot with the big ears may be all Scolari has to show in his first year at Stamford Bridge. Arsenal fans would settle for any trophy at present with another title unlikely and [8.6] to win is quite a generous price for such a talented team. Somehow I don't think Wenger will be fielding too many inexperienced kids this year so if you're looking to back one of the big boys then Arsenal offer the best value.

Elsewhere there is one other team to watch. Manchester City have plenty of flair and can match any team on their day. More importantly Eastlands is a credit-crunch free zone so expect Mark Hughes to clean up in the January sales. Priced at [17] to win the FA Cup, Manchester City seem undervalued (especially if Hughes buys some decent defenders) and might well prosper in a knock-out format while languishing in mid-table. If you're looking for a strong outside bet then it's time to look to the blue side of Manchester.