Spread betting bookmaker Sporting Index is running a full range of markets on the FA Cup Quarter Final matches this weekend. If you’re looking for an interesting alternative to your usual punting, you should consider opening an account* and claiming your choice of free bet** from the range that they offer. To help you get started, we spoke to their senior Football Market Maker for a bit of insight on all the games:
Bolton v Arsenal (12:15 Saturday, BBC1)
I expect both teams to give it everything; Bolton are playing well and the FA Cup is all Arsenal have left. The Gunners have a near full squad to choose from, so with no reason to rest players we should see Henry, Bergkamp, and Reyes from the start. Okocha is the only doubt for the home side and his absence would be a major blow. Speed’s return to the starting line-up should compensate somewhat, but Arsenal have too much quality for the Trotters. It could be tight, but we’re predicting Arsenal to win by a margin of 0.5 to 0.7 goals.
Southampton v Man Utd (17:15 Saturday, BBC1)
Like Arsenal this competition looks to be all United have left, whereas Southampton’s priority is Premiership survival. With Quashie cup tied, and Le Saux and Delap doubtful, Redknapp may be tempted to give a few of his second string a run out and rest his key players. Even with Crouch and Camara in good form, I can’t see the Saints troubling United too much. We’ve made the visitors favourites to win by a margin of 0.9 to 1.1 goals, but with a full selection of strikers to choose from I can see a few punters betting ëhigh’ on this prediction.
Blackburn v Leicester (13.05 Sunday, BBC1)
Considering that Leicester beat Charlton in the last round, some punters may fancy an upset here. But Blackburn are in good form and with Leicester old boy Dickov likely to return, and Matteo back from injury, they should have too much quality for the Foxes. We’ve predicted a victory for the home side by 0.9 to 1.1 goals, but if I was having a punt I’d be tempted to bet ëhigh’, particularly with Pedersen having a purple patch.
Newcastle v Spurs (16.00 Sunday, Sky Sports 1)
With home advantage Newcastle are favourites to win, by 0.3 to 0.5 goals. They have started getting results under Souness and confidence is high. With Shearer desperate to win the cup before retirement and Robert playing well again, they meet an erratic Spurs at just the right time. The key man for the visitors is King, he’ll need to marshal the Spurs back line extremely well if they are going to get anything at St James’ Park. Both sides tend to play open attacking football, so I wouldn’t be surprised to see a lot of punters bet ëhigh’ on our prediction for a total of 2.4 to 2.6 goals in this match.
Free £200 Football Bet**
Open a Sporting Index account* and place ten bets (risking £20 per bet) to claim a free £200 per goal football bet.
If that doesn’t grab you, then you can always claim £100 cash** (after 10 bets as above).
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**terms and conditions apply. See site for full details about an account with Sporting Index. Sports spread betting is high risk and is not suitable for everyone. You can lose more than your original stake so make sure you understand the risks involved. Sporting Index is authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority.