Sheffield United v Tottenham Hotspur – FA Cup betting Preview
Sheffield United Summary
Championship club Sheffield United needed a replay to get past conference side Wrexham in a bad blooded previous round.
For now, their promotion race can take a back seat as they meet London giant Tottenham in FA Cup action. The last time they met in this competition was 1957/58.
The Blades are going well in their league and restored a seven-point cushion in 2nd spot of the Championship this weekend. The 1-0 win over Watford saw them come into this midweek contest in good mood and positive form.
They are delighted to be in here and will have nothing to lose in this tie.
Paul Heckingbottom’s side will not fear Spurs but will show them respect and aim to frustrate and score the first goal.
Looking at team news for the host. Oli McBurnie is fit to play and rearing to make a mark. He has scored in the opening or final five minutes in three of his last six appearances, including in their last FA Cup clash against Wrexham.
Baldock, Brewster, Davies, O’Connell and, stevens are all out with injury.
Tottenham Hotspur Summary
For Spurs, the FA Cup represents their most realistic chance at winning a competition in this season and so motivation is excellent.
Winning silverware will be particular important to manager Antonio Conte in what is likely his final season at the club, although he will continue to be watching on in his Italy home as he recovers from surgery.
The players are demonstrating more freedom in the capable hands of assistant Cristian Stellini once more.
Tottenham are flying under Stellini in fact, particularly after the win over Chelsea on Sunday. Spurs have a 100% winning record under his five game spell.
With Newcastle not playing an EPL game on the weekend , Spurs extended their grip on 4th spot and so can now turn confidently to this FA Cup tie up north.
A loss would be a massive setback right now, and a draw would be unwanted as fixtures are already building up with the champions league games coming next month.
Team news wise, Tottenham have four absences but none of them are new. Some rotations in a few areas are likely, but without risking dramatic weakening.
The biggest loss is creative midfielder Bentancur who will not be back until next season.
Lloris remains out but adding to the centre midfield concerns is that Bissouma is also missing. Sessegnon is also out.
Betting Analysis
Looking at the 1×2 market first. It may be an unwelcoming and tricky trip north during the week, but Tottenham are the favourites to win the game @ 1.80.
The draw is @ 3.75 and the host Sheffield United is @ 4.25.
Spurs see this as their best chance of silverware this season and will not want to need a replay to progress. Spurs give away a -0.75 start to Sheffield united @ 2.02. This means any kind of away win pays out as profit, though only a two goal margin of victory pays in full for spurs backers.
Sheffield United get the +0.75 start @ 1.82.
Looking finally at the Under/Over goals market which looks about right, and throws up nothing to be excited about. Over 2.75 is @ 1.93, under is @ 1.85.
