English FA CUP
2009-02-24 - Fulham vs Swansea
A Sports Betting Pick by Auls
Football: England, FA Cup
Tuesday, 24th February 2009 - Kickoff 20:00
Fulham
Fulham were not happy that their FA Cup replay was rescheduled for this day, only 2 days after they played West Brom in the Premier League.
However, their latest home win improved their record to 8-9-8 and helped them increase the gap to 10 points from the relegation zone. Fulham are 8-3-1 at Craven Cottage this season, scoring 21 goals and only conceding 9. This means that only Manchester United have won more games at home than the West Londoners.
Fulham have gone 9 games unbeaten at home in all competitions and have won 3 of their last 4 there. Away from home is where their struggles have been so far this season. Fulham have also managed to only concede 3 goals in their last 4 home games.
Roy Hodgeson is expected to rotate some of his squad with Nevland and Kamara starting up front in place of Johnson and Zamora. Frederik Stoor, Julian Gray and Olivier Dacourt are also on standby to come into the first team.
Swansea
Swansea may feel that their best chance of progressing could have been lost in the first match at the Liberty Stadium, but I am sure that they will give it their best effort here.
Swansea are 9th in the Championship with a 12-15-6 record and are currently 1 point and 3 places behind Cardiff in the race for a playoff position. Swansea are 4-7-5 away from home with 15 goals scored and 20 conceded.
The Swans have only lost 1 of their last 18 games in all competitions but that was also their most recent away game when they lost 2-0 at Watford. Swansea will not be overawed at having to play at a Premier League ground, as they have already won 0-2 at Portsmouth in the previous round. Swansea have not won any of their last 2 League games.
Garry Monk scored an own goal in the first tie but will miss this game through injury. Albert Serran will take his place and Joe Allen will have a late fitness test.
Motivation
There can be no bigger motivation for either one of these sides than a possible place in the 6th round of the FA Cup. However, to add further intrigue to the game, both sides will know that the winner will entertain Manchester United on Saturday evening in 2 weeks time.
Prediction
Fulham will feel confident that that can get the win here and move through to the next round as they have a great winning record at home. They are likely to make some changes but they will have motivation on their side as a relegation dogfight does not look likely for them this season.
Swansea had been on an excellent run recently but I have a feeling they may have missed the boat in the first tie. I think they will have bigger things on their mind at the moment with a potential playoff place to fight for although the motivation to host United in the next round can not be underestimated.
I think the prices are reasonable on Fulham having another home win and that is what I will play here.
The Pick :
Fulham 2-1 Swansea
BEST BETTING TIP :
Fulham WIN
