Manchester United’s shocking capitulation at home to Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League cost us a pretty penny but attention now switches to the fifth round of the FA Cup and there’s a huge clash on Monday evening when Manchester United visit Chelsea.
Running total: -£54.09
The Banker
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer tasted defeat for the first time as caretaker Manchester United manager in midweek as the Red Devils fell to a 2-0 Champions League loss to Paris Saint-Germain. Yet as disappointing as that defeat was surely the bookmakers are overreacting by making United a 13/5 shot here? Chelsea were blown away 6-0 by Manchester City last time out leaving Maurizio Sarri on the brink. Rumours that Zinedine Zidane has been linked with a move to Stamford Bridge won’t be helping and, after falling to sixth in the table, Sarri is facing mounting criticism over his style of football. That PSG debacle aside, the Red Devils have been superb for the most part under Solskjaer and have enough going forward to do a job on Chelsea here.
Selection: £5 on Manchester United to win at 13/5 with bet365.
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The First Goal Flutter
Nobody is going to get rich quick picking Manchester City at 1/20 to beat plucky Newport County on Saturday. However 11/4 for Gabriel Jesus to score first at Rodney Parade looks much more tempting. The young Brazilian has scored in every round so far and should get the nod ahead of Segio Aguero up top. Newport’s run has been truly amazing but it surely ends here against the English champions, who have hit 12 goals in just two FA Cup matches so far this season.
Selection: £4 on Jesus to score first at 11/4 with bet365.
The Tasty Treble
On Friday evening, Watford (17/20) should be too good for QPR having already scored FA Cup away wins over Woking and Newcastle this season. Indeed the Hornets have yet to concede a goal in the competition so look the logical call at Loftus Road. Millwall recorded a memorable victory in round four against Everton and look worthy favourites at 19/20 when they head to AFC Wimbledon. The Dons are cast adrift at the bottom of League One and have lost three on the spin since that shock win over West Ham. Add in Swansea to beat Brentford at 29/20 for an FA Cup treble paying better than 15/2. The Swans have already beaten Brentford 3-2 away from home this season so look a good price to book a place in the quarterfinals.
Selection: £3 on the treble at 7.83/1 with bet365.
The Euro Wager
Saint-Etienne have the second best home record in Ligue 1 this season and so it might be worth backing them to claim a point when PSG come to town. Les Verts have claimed an impressive 29 points from 12 home games so far and are a formidable proposition on their own patch. Wahbi Khazri has been in fine form for them up front, and the draw looks a runner on Sunday given the fact that the French champions will be without Neymar and Edison Cavani through injury.
Selection: £3 on Saint Etienne and PSG to draw at 100/30 with bet365.
The Wildcard Tip
Bristol City have won their last nine games so look a big price at 16/5 to see off Wolves on Sunday at Ashton Gate. The Robins are actually unbeaten in 15 matches in all competitions and so will fancy their chances of springing a shock against Premier League opposition. Boss Lee Johnson is doing an incredible job and on current form it’s difficult to fathom why they are bigger than 3/1 here.
Selection: £2.50 on Bristol City to win at 16/5 with bet365.
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