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FA Cup

FA Cup Quarter-Final Draw: Man Utd and Chelsea kept apart again

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Andrew French talks us through the FA Cup quarter-final draw and tells us why in many ways it was the draw we all wanted

It only lasted a matter of minutes, but today's FA Cup quarter-final draw had something for everyone really.

An all-Premiership tie (which will keep the BBC happy); the minnow v the rich club from the 'big four'; a guarantee of a club from outside the top flight in the semi-final; and a tie that awaits the outcome of the only replay.

Those who think anything other than a Man United v Chelsea final will be a non-contest will be pleased that the two star names have been kept apart - while those who would like to see more of the giant-killing acts could well be about to see just that.

Much was made after their fortunate victory over Preston, that this could be the year for Portsmouth - especially as they beat the Deepdale club en route to winning the tournament for the only time 1939. Well, if history is going to repeat itself it'll be done the hard way, as Pompey have to visit Manchester United in the last eight.

United are the [2.48] favourites to lift the famous trophy, although they drifted from [2.36] shortly after the draw was made. However, that's nothing to the outward move Pompey experienced - they can be backed at [15.5], compared to [8.6] before their visit to Old Trafford was fixed.

Chelsea have hardened to [2.62] from [2.86], little surprise having been drawn away to Barnsley, who are now [150] to go all the way. Chelsea are unlikely to fall into the same trap that Liverpool did at the weekend, particularly as any surprise element the Tykes may have possessed has totally disappeared amid such a high-profile victory.

Middlesbrough are now third favourites at [12.5], although they will have to win their replay at home to Sheffield United, who are available at [95.0], before entertaining Cardiff (who trade at [75.0]) in the last eight.

The romantics will enjoy the prospect of Bristol Rovers reaching the semi-finals for the first time in their history, and the draw has handed them a sporting chance by sending West Bromwich Albion to the Memorial Ground.

The Baggies are going great guns in the Championship and crushed Coventry 5-0 on Saturday to set up this tie. Their price hardened from [32.0] pre-draw to [21.0]. Rovers, unsurprisingly, remain the rags at [150].

One other FA Cup market to consider: Big 4 v The Field. You can back any of the other seven teams left in the competition to go on and win it, at the expense of Chelsea and Manchester United, at [4.3]. However, with the two heavyweights kept apart, then having both on your side may appeal and you can back that option at [1.26].

FA Cup Quarter-Final draw:

Sheffield United or Middlesbrough v Cardiff
Manchester United v Portsmouth
Bristol Rovers v West Bromwich Albion
Barnsley v Chelsea

Quarter-Final ties will be played on the weekend of March 8 and 9.