FA Cup 5th Round (13/02 - 14/02)

Chelsea v Cardiff City
Southampton v Portsmouth
Reading v West Bromwich Albion
Derby County v Birmingham City
Manchester City v Stoke City
Bolton v Tottenham


Saturday, February 13

Manchester City v Stoke City

Verdict: In the first meeting between these two sides within the next 4 days, an unconvincing Manchester City face in form Stoke City. Stoke City are on a run of 7 games (in all competitions) without defeat and will fancy their chances of upsetting the apple cart today.

Despite their endless spending, Manchester City is still a work in progress and have often failed to live up to expectations against the lesser likes. For example, Manchester City have defeated top sides in Manchester United, Arsenal and Chelsea at the City of Manchester Stadium in convincing displays, but have dropped points against Fulham , Burnley, and Hull City. Their most recent home performances against struggling Portsmouth and Bolton, despite winning 2-0 on both occasions, have been unconvincing and some what fortunate to say the least. Now, they must face a side that are performing at their peak and Stoke City's robust style is sure to trouble a City team filled with superstar foreigners that don't know how much this cup competition means to supporters.

Motivation and form is with the visitors so I think they are a good chance with the handicap on their side.

Pick: Stoke City +1.25 @1.79 (10bet, 10 units)
Manchester City 1 - 1 Stoke City

Sunday, February 14
Bolton v Tottenham

Verdict: Out of form Bolton and a stuttering Tottenham side do battle in this 5th round FA Cup encounter. Bolton defeated Lincoln City and Sheffield United to get to this stage while Tottenham overcame Peterborough United and Leeds United (over two legs) respectively.

Bolton are really struggling for goals at the moment with top goalscorers, defender Gary Cahill and striker Ivan Klasnic, out indefinitely through injury. Tottenham were shocked last week with a 1-0 defeat away to Wolverhampton but will look to redeem themselves here as they have the perfect chance to go all the way in this competition. With Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester United all out of the Cup, Chelsea and Tottenham remain the hot favourites to lift the famous trophy.

Bolton face an important Premier League fixture at Wigan Athletic on Wednesday. The Wanderers are involved in a relegation battle this season and manager Owen Coyle has hinted that he will make several changes for today's fixture, with the up coming fixture in mind. Bolton have only won 3 Premier League encounters at The Reebok all season. Tottenham manager and players, Crouch and Gomes, have expressed their desire to reach Wembley this year so we can expect the visitors to be at full strength. Motivation, and quality of player is with the visitors so I will side with them.

Tottenham -0.5AH @1.97 (pinnacle, 10 units)
Bolton 1 - 1 Tottenham