FA Cup Quarter Finals (6-7/03)

Portsmouth v Birmingham City
Fulham v Tottenham
Reading v Aston Villa
Chelsea v Stoke City


Saturday, March 24

Portsmouth v Birmingham City

Verdict: Crisis club Portsmouth remarkably have an opportunity to reach an FA Cup semi-final if they prevail against Birmingham City today. The Pompey showed last weekend, with their 2-1 away win at Burnley, that they won't go down with out a fight. The long season is perhaps beginning to take its toll on Birmingham City. Following their 15 match unbeaten run, The Brummies have lost three times in the space of a month.

Portsmouth impressed with their carefree, open brand of football last weekend and I expect more of the same here. The Pompey don't really have nothing to lose and on the same token, the players are keen to impress future employers Birmingham City has a full squad to choose from and in players of the ilk of Benitez, Jerome, and McFadden - I fancy them to find the net against a depleted Pompey back line.

Pick: Over 2 goals @ 1.84 (10bet, 10 units)
Portsmouth 2 - 0 Birmingham City

Fulham v Tottenham

Verdict: In form Fulham take on a rejuvenated Tottenham in this FA Cup quarter final clash. Fulham are undefeated in their last 8 encounters and have suffered only a single defeat at Craven Cottage in 17 matches. Tottenham have won their last 3 encounters but have suffered a cluster of injuries since last weekend's 2-1 defeat of Everton. Midfielders in Bentley, Huddlestone, Jenas, and Lennon are all out while star stiker Jermaine Defoe is doubtful. Fulham have only Murphy doubtful but Konchesky is likely to return at left-back.

Despite injuries to some key players over the last two months, Fulham have done very well in both the domestic front and European competition. Tottenham have struggled on their travels since December and with so many key players missing, I see a slight advantage to the home side.

Pick: Fulham +0.25AH @1.75 (5dimes, 10 units)
Fulham 0 - 0 Tottenham