FA Cup Outright Tip: Crystal Palace e/w

When looking for an outright selection for the FA Cup, something we traditionally do on 3rd Round weekend, I always like to look at the long shot Premier League sides. With half odds paid out even if they lose in the final, we’re only a kind draw away from a good shot at decent money.

The other criteria I look for is a side who can focus on the FA Cup from February/March onwards. That makes a lot of the big sides less appealing with Champions League priorities (either knockout matches or qualification for next season) and title bids to consider.

Similarly, a side facing an almighty relegation battle will rarely be advised to put too much stock in the FA Cup. Plus they aren’t very good!

That leaves us with some good middle-table options or at least sides who should be safe well before the end of the season. Shortlisted in this category are Bournemouth (66/1 but they face top flight opponents straight away), West Ham (33/1), Watford (40/1) and Crystal Palace, my pick, because they are a best price 50/1 with BetVictor and just as likely as the other sides mentioned.

The Eagles were runners-up as recently as 2016 and they are now just one goalscorer signing away from being a very decent outfit.

They rank as the 7th best team defensively in the Premier League and all they require at the business end is decent end-product in between Zaha and Townsend. Returning Connor Wickham was a semi-final hero two years ago and perhaps Benteke or Ayew will start firing. More likely, reinforcements will arrive soon to bolster the front line.

You’d have to think Roy Hodgson is nearing the end of his managerial career and he must have an eye on one last hurrah. He took Fulham to the Europa League final in 2010 and a European adventure with Palace isn’t out of the question.

That will seem a long way off at Selhurst Park against Grimsby, but a decent opening draw should be no bad thing.