3rd Jan 2015 | FA Cup
FA Cup Outright Tip: Swansea City
The League Cup winners of 2013 are a huge price considering they are established as one of the top 10 teams in the Premier League now.
One thing that stands out in recent FA Cup seasons is that six relatively unfancied sides have made the final in the last seven seasons.
2008: Portsmouth 1-0 Cardiff
2009: Chelsea 2-1 Everton
2010: Chelsea 1-0 Portsmouth
2011: Man City 1-0 Stoke
2012: Chelsea 2-1 Liverpool
2013: Wigan 1-0 Man City
2014: Arsenal 3-2 Hull
This would suggest that a long shot bet is well worth considering, particularly as an each-way option where you get paid out at 1/2 odds if your selection makes it to the final.
With this in mind, Swansea City appear to be standout value at 40/1 with Bet365. Garry Monk’s boys are now established as a top-half side in the Premier League and the club won the League Cup in 2013 so they know what it takes to lift a major trophy.
The Swans are unlikely to have a great deal to distract them if they go on a decent run in this competition. They probably won’t have quite enough to challenge for the Champions League spots and they certainly won’t be dragged into a relegation fight. Yes they might have Europa League hopes, but that won’t take priority over the FA Cup.
They are four times the price of Liverpool, twice the price of Everton and the same price as Newcastle - all odds comparisons which strongly underestimate the Welsh club.
Odds correct at time of publishing: 12:59 3rd Jan, 2015 but subject to change
