FA Cup: 5th Round Preview

There are four of the so-called ‘big six’ still in the oldest domestic football competition in the world, with the Manchester giants conspicuous by their absence. Tottenham are one of three joint favourites (7/2 Ladbrokes) for the FA Cup after being drawn away to rank outsiders Stevenage (750/1 BetVictor) for fifth round weekend.

Chelsea (7/2 Skybet) face a tougher task despite being handed a game at Stamford Bridge. They come up against a Birmingham City (125/1 PaddyPower) side who are the defending Carling Cup champions and the form team in the Championship right now. Liverpool (7/2 WilliamHill) face a similar challenge with Brighton (150/1 PaddyPower) visiting Anfield on Sunday afternoon.

Arsenal (6/1 Bluesquare) certainly face the toughest assigment of the ‘big boys,’ at least on paper, with a daunting trip to the Stadium of Light in the offing. Sunderland are 16/1 (Coral) for the trophy, but those odds will shorten swiftly if the Gunners are knocked out.

With just four other top flight teams making the final 16, there will be a few dark horses thinking this could be their year. 2009 runners-up Everton (12/1 Boylesports) entertain Blackpool (125/1 PaddyPower) while last year’s finalists Stoke (18/1 Bet365) travel to League Two Crawley Town (300/1 Ladbrokes).

Norwich City (28/1 Coral) have Championship Leicester (100/1 PaddyPower) visiting Carrow Road while Bolton (33/1 Totesport) face a tricky test at Millwall (200/1 Bluesquare).