Red hot Robins ready for Wolves
Bristol City are on a roll in the Championship and Wolves are the best of the rest in the Premier League. But points take a back seat this weekend with a place in the FA Cup Quarter finals the prize for the winner...
It’s no surprise to see the visitors, having a comfortable time of it in the Premier League, handed the tag of favourites by the bookies. But, in reality, this counts for little - this is the FA Cup after all!
We only have to look at how close Nuno Santo’s side came to becoming a major scalp for League One strugglers Shrewsbury Town as evidence of the unpredictable nature of this competition.
Having forced a replay and pulled level from two down with the last kick, and again coming from behind to run out eventual 3-2 winners in the return match, Wolves showed their vulnerabilities over the course of both games and can count themselves a tad fortunate to progress.
Safe to say, I won’t be putting my money the way of Wolves to win outright - they’re just too unpredictable a side, their recent draw at home to Newcastle a case in point.
What we do know though is this competition has really opened up for the visitors who are one of only seven top flight sides remaining - they’ll have more than half an eye on Wembley should they navigate their way past this tie.
The Robins, though, are flying, quite literally and remain the only side across England to have won every game of 2019.
Lee Johnson has overseen a tremendous second half of the campaign to see City storm to fifth place on the back of winning the last nine and last tasting defeat back in November.
Such commanding form will see they’re not overawed by the occasion, while the frequency at which they’re finding the back of the net - the hosts have scored at least once in their last 15 matches - has to be noted.
The bonus of the match having to be settled on the day following the FA’s decision to scrap replays from here on in, may just see Bristol City throw caution to the wind. 1974 was the last time Bristol City reached the last eight of this famous old competition - a chance such as this doesn't present itself too often!
Betting tip
Motivation is high for each side to emerge victorious from this fifth round tie which should serve the game well as a spectacle.
For me, both teams to score (in normal time) seems the natural way to go. Take the opportunity to potentially double your stake with Ladbrokes offering evens.
Nick's tip: BTTS @ 1/1 (2.00) with Ladbrokes.
Happy betting!
