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Horse Racing Jimmy’s Punt: April 22nd - 131.00 Long Shot for FA Cup Semis
Jimmy’s Punt: Saturday, April 22nd
We’ve got another long shot bet this weekend with the focus casting on the FA Cup semi final at Wembley between Manchester City and Sheffield United.
Manchester City actually have a huge chance of completing a treble, 25% according to their odds.
Bayern have been dispatched in Europe, meaning only Real Madrid and either AC or Inter Milan stand in their way of Champions League triumph.
I think they are in the driver’s seat domestically. With a game in hand over Arsenal and a home clash against the Gunners to come.
The FA Cup is the front I think they fall on, after all, they are as chunky as 1.02 to qualify for the final with Sky Bet.
No prizes for guessing which team I am siding with to win and what keeper to be carded here, just need a sprinkle of that FA Cup magic.
In this article:
Manchester City vs Sheffield United Preview
England, FA Cup Semi-Final, Saturday, April 22nd, 16:45 (UK)
Pep Guardiola did not take his side’s trip to Munich lightly on Wednesday, starting all the big dogs, Erling Haaland, Jack Grealish, Kevin De Bruyne, Rodri and co.
On paper, the Citizens cruised to a 4-1 victory but the second leg wasn’t exactly plain sailing.
Bayern created an xG of 2.66 and three ‘big chances’, there were also nine yellow cards dished out.
If Pep does shuffle his deck in the capital, World Cup winner Julian Alvarez, England international Kalvin Phillips and Riyad Mahrez probably come into the XI.
Domestically, Sheffield United are seven points clear of Luton in third and will have two games in hand the next time they play a league fixture.
They have won six of their last seven games, their only defeat coming at Turf Moor where they had their goalkeeper sent off.
The luck of the draw has left them without Tommy Doyle and James McAtee here, arguably the Blades’ two most influential players in recent months.
The pair cannot face their parent club and will be sorely missed with Doyle dislodging the previously ever-present Ollie Norwood in midfield and McAtee having a hand in five of United’s last 12 goals across their last seven games.
Manchester City vs Sheffield United Best Bet
They say bet with your head not with your heart but I don’t care, I am throwing an Uno reverse here.
Sheffield United, according to the best odds as I write, have a 5% chance of beating the Premier League title holders in 90 minutes.
That price is based on stats, facts, financial clout, recent history and common sense really.
Forget that, the Blades – my side – are at Wembley and the only thing that would make a scalp against Pep’s world beaters any better, is watching a 131.00 result, keeper card combo click.
So, I will be swapping facts for dreams, relying on xPassions over xG and hoping the side from South Yorkshire just want it more.
What substance has this bet actually got?
Well, I am clutching at straws a bit here but, as previously alluded to, this clash does come slap bang in the middle of Man City’s Champions League quarter-final with Bayern Munich and their title-deciding league game against Arsenal.
Pep will more than likely freshen things up at Wembley and this could disrupt their rhythm.
His side are also fighting for three trophies, United on the other hand are all but promoted back to the Premier League. So, may as well pay this punt out as a winner now.
Sheffield United, playing on Tuesday, will also have had an extra day’s recovery, and that is about as far as excuses to back United go.
As for a Wes Foderingham booking, the stopper is actually quite cynical.
League One Wes racked up 10 cards in his infamous spell at Swindon under Paolo Di Canio, and has 17 over the course of his career.
This season, he has two yellows and two red cards under his belt in 40 appearances. Last season, I remember him picking up a first half caution as SUFC swindled a win at Craven Cottage.
Wes certainly has a card in him.
- Selection: Sheffield United Win, Wes Foderingham Card
- Best Odds: 131.00 (Sky Bet)
- Stakes: 1/10
Odds as at 10:00 April 21 2023. Odds may now differ.
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