The return of Nemanja Vidic to the United line-up is likely to spell more Cup woe for Arsenal this weekend
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Arsenal are pushing hard for Premier League glory and it seems only they can stop Manchester United from winning a record 19th crown. But in the FA Cup this weekend, I can see United seeing them off and ending their hopes of Cup glory this season.
A couple of weeks ago, Arsenal were in three Cup competitions but after their Carling Cup final defeat and an exit from the Champions League at the hands of Barcelona, Arsene Wenger's side are staring at a third Cup disappointment.
Now I actually think the league title race is about 50-50 but with Cesc Fabregas out through injury this weekend, I find it hard to see how they will stop United from making it through to the last four.
Bet365 make United 10/11 and when you consider the fact that they are playing at home, that's a pretty good price. With Nemanja Vidic back to marshall the defence, they should be close to full strength and I am not sure Arsenal will be able to cope. United to win through has to be the bet of the weekend.
Cambers' Calls
- Bet of the weekend: Manchester United to beat Arsenal - 10/11 bet365
- Birmingham City to beat Bolton - 19/10 bet365
- Stoke City to beat West Ham 6/5 - bet365
It's funny how often a Cup run can put a gloss on a difficult season in the league. Birmingham may be struggling in the relegation dog-fight at the foot of the Premier League but in the cups they have been superb, with their win over Arsenal in the final of the Carling Cup a stunning achievement for Alex Mcleish's team.
They take on Bolton Wanderers at St Andrews and home advantage could again be key. Though Bolton have a good record against them in recent times, the distraction of another Cup run and the thought of another piece of silverware being only three wins away could inspire them to another big effort.
The only concern is that McLeish may rest some players to keep them fresh for the league but at 19/10, they ought to be capable of winning this match and this can be the second tip of the weekend.
No point betting on Manchester City to get past Reading. City's defeat in Kiev in midweek will have hurt but they will surely be even more determined to progress in their only real chance of winning something this season and rewarding the owners' investment.
However, the other quarter-final looks like another match in which home advantage could be key and Stoke City seem a generous price at 6/5 to see off West Ham, who though they would like another Cup run, would swap it for Premier League safety.
Please note that odds are correct at time of publication and are subject to change.
Simon Cambers is ESPN.co.uk's betting correspondent
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Simon Cambers
Simon Cambers is ESPN.co.uk's betting correspondant Simon Cambers is ESPN.co.uk's betting correspondant
