Manchester United continue their record-breaking run of home ties with Fulham visiting Old Trafford; Man City and Sheffield United already through to the FA Cup semi-finals
Sunday 19 March 2023 15:31, UK
The FA Cup has reached the quarter-final stage with four mouth-watering ties - three of which will be played on Sunday...
Man Utd v Fulham - Sunday, 4.30pm
Another cup tie, another home game for Manchester United. This is their 10th domestic cup game where they've been drawn to play at Old Trafford. The odds of that happening are a staggering 1,0241/1. You're unlikely to get much return for a bet on them progressing from this one, though.
Erik ten Hag's side will be clear favourites on Sunday afternoon, having been able to rest and rotate some key men for the Europa League last-16 win at Real Betis on Thursday and bring off players such as Marcus Rashford and Bruno Fernandes midway through the second half in Spain.
Joao Palhinha's return from suspension will give the visitors a boost. They've been well off their best level in their past two Premier League games without the destructive midfielder at the heart of their system. Marco Silva may also reflect on his side's 2-1 defeat to United at Craven Cottage, where only a last-gasp Alejandro Garnacho goal denied them a deserved point in November. Garnacho is out injured this time, while Casemiro starts a four-game suspension.
But with just one win in their last 25 trips to Old Trafford and talisman Aleksandar Mitrovic goalless from 11 FA Cup appearances, there are plenty of ominous omens for pessimistic Fulham fans to choose from.
The odds will be pointing towards Man Utd progressing and reaching a record 31st FA Cup semi-final.
Peter Smith
