Man Utd to ease into the semi-finals at Norwich
Norwich may be struggling at the foot of the Premier League but they still have a chance at some silverware as they host Manchester United in the FA Cup. Will the Red Devils spoil the party? Have a read of our preview here:
Tough times at Carrow Road
Ok that subtitle is not really true. Norwich City fans of a certain age will clearly remember their side getting mugged by Colchester 7-1 at Carrow Road back in 2009 – they are more akin to tough times yet being bottom of the Premier League is still no fun.
Daniel Farke has got a lot of work to do to save the club from relegation but the FA Cup will hopefully offer a nice distraction from the slog of the English top-flight.
This season Norwich have dispatched Preston, beating the Championship outfit 4-2 at Deepdale back in January, although it may as well have been January 2014 for all that has happened since.
Another away tie greeted them in the fourth round where they were able to sneak past Burnley thanks to second half strikes by Grant Hanley and Josip Drmic.
The fifth round was where it all got romantic for the Canaries. After a thrilling 120 minutes of football and another Drmic goal, they would knock out Tottenham on penalties at the impressive Tottenham Arena.
This sets up their first home tie of the competition so far this season and what a game it should be.
Teemu Pukki will need to be at his prolific best if Norwich are to stand any chance of reaching the last four, something Manchester United have achieved more times than Farke’s had schnitzel for lunch, so it won’t be easy.
FA Cup still important for United
Trophies have been in short supply in recent years at Old Trafford, a stark contrast to the Sir Alex era, but in the FA Cup United have every chance of winning some silverware.
The most encouraging thing about recent performances, including the run of five unbeaten prior to lockdown, were the displays from Bruno Fernandes who had two goals and three assists in his first five league games.
This will be the Portuguese star’s first taste of FA Cup action, but against Premier League opposition he won’t have to contend with bobbly pitches and winter conditions often seen in the earlier rounds.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer won the FA Cup twice as a player but is yet to win a trophy since taking to the dugout at Old Trafford, he will be hoping to change that this year.
Norwich vs Manchester United betting tip
The FA Cup has a way of working its magic, but in recent years that has become more and more diluted. Sadly, that means the underdogs are less likely to prosper which is why we are backing a Manchester United win at odds of 1.73 with Betway on Saturday.
Post bet chat James's Tips:
It took a late goal from Harry Maguire to decide it, but Man Utd got the win they were expecting