FA CUP SUNDAY: The Striker previews the FA Cup Quarter Final between CHELSEA v LEICESTER and MANCHESTER UNITED v LIVERPOOL both with a recommended BETDAQ bet.
CHELSEA V LEICESTER
12.45pm It’s a cracking Sunday with two superb FA Cup Quarter-Finals on BETDAQ Betting Exchange! There’s no doubt that Manchester United v Liverpool will take all the headlines, but we start the day with a very interesting game too as Chelsea host Leicester. Chelsea have been having a dreadful season again in the Premier League while Leicester have been flying high at the top of the Championship table. Leicester have gone through a wobble recently though – they have only won once from their last five Championship games with three losses. They had such a lead that they remain three points clear of Leeds in second and four of Ipswich in third. It would be a massive surprise if this fixture wasn’t a Premier League game next season! With Chelsea sitting in mid-table in the Premier League and no signs of getting into a European spot, their main focus is now the FA Cup. They probably still regret how they approached that extra-time against Liverpool in the Carabao Cup Final – better to have lost trying rather than they way they did playing for penalties. Anyway, the Londoners will be expected to come though this tie but it’s hard to have a lot of confidence in Chelsea these days.
The market has Chelsea as the odds on favourites; Mauricio Pochettino’s men are trading 1.48 with Leicester 7.6 and the draw is 5.1 at the time of writing. I have to say I was surprised to see Chelsea as short as 1.48 when I clicked into the market – I know Leicester have been playing their football at a lower level but they surely come into the game with more confidence than Chelsea this season! It’s worth noting however that we have really saw the gulf in class between the Premier League and the Championship this season with the three clubs that have come up. Still even allowing for that, I feel the 1.48 is worth a lay here – I just expect a closer game than the odds suggest. Leicester have an average xG conceded of 1.16 in the Championship while for Chelsea in the Premier League it’s 1.47. Leicester will get chances here, it’s just all about whether they are good enough to take them or not. At 1.48, I’m happy to take my chances with a lay.
The Striker Says:
Two points lay (liability) Chelsea to beat Leicester at 1.48 with BETDAQ BETTING EXCHANGE.
You can view all markets here -> https://betdaq.biz/ChlLei
MANCHESTER UNITED V LIVERPOOL
3.30pm We finish the weekend with the blockbuster fixture of the Quarter-Finals as Manchester United host Liverpool. Two of England’s most successful clubs, the biggest rivals, but there is a huge gulf in class between the sides now. When Sir Alex Ferguson was in charge it was Manchester United on top, now under Jurgen Klopp it’s Liverpool’s turn. It’s a sign of the times that Liverpool come to Old Trafford and they are trading as the odds on favourites. Liverpool are 1.85 with Manchester United 4.1 and the draw is 4.4 at the time of writing. There’s 17 points between them in the Premier League at the moment, but the stats highlight the huge gulf in performance level. Liverpool have an average xG created of 2.12 – just marginally behind Manchester City but anything over 2.0 is exceptional, and we also have to consider they play in the best league in the world too. Manchester United have an average xG created of 1.5 which is basically mid-table level, and there’s a major red flag in their figures too as they are conceding more than they are creating. Their average xG conceded is a whopping 1.66 which is the fifth worst defensive figure in the Premier League. At times we’ve all felt that United have been all over the place at the back, and that’s reflected in the data.
The reality here is that we have one the best attacking sides in England against one of the worst defensive sides. The only hope for United fans is that the squad can produce a top class performance – and it usually comes when we least expect it too. They have a habit of turning up for the big games. That being said, to put the United’s defensive figures in context – even Burnley have conceded marginally less chances! That’s the level United have been playing at this season, and they have actually been getting away with it a little too – things could be even worse. Their actual goals scored average is 1.39, a bit off the 1.66 they should be conceding. With Liverpool so good going forward and United so dodgy at the back, I can only see one winner here. Liverpool have schooled United at times over the last few years – we have had some very embarrassing results and manager sackings off the back of them too. The 1.85 looks cracking value on Liverpool and in my opinion it’s worthy of a Max Bet.
The Striker Says:
Five points win Liverpool to beat Manchester United at 1.85 with BETDAQ BETTING EXCHANGE.
You can view all markets here -> https://betdaq.biz/MnuLiv
