Arsenal v Manchester United: Best bets for Sunday’s FA Cup games on BBC and ITV
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Bet on a Gabracadabra moment at the Emirates on BBC1 this afternoon. Arsenal welcome Manchester United (3pm, BBC) for newbie Ruben Amorim’s first taste of FA Cup magic. No need to school the Portuguese import on why it matters – if he doesn’t want his contract sawn in half he probably better win a cup this term.
The Amorim feelgood factor vanished in a puff of smoke, though after a 2-2 at Anfield it magically reappeared like the lovely Debbie McGee. But has it got the legs?. The deck is certainly stacked more in United’s favour today than when they got turned over 2-0 here last month. Arsenal have lost an ace in Bukayo Saka, pulled another from behind Mikel Arteta’s ear in the shape of teenage wonder Ethan Nwaneri, then lost that one, too.
They offer less sleight of hand going forward, but United’s set-piece defending feels so fragile that it might not matter. Two Arsenal goals from corners won the last meeting. Take corner-taker Declan Rice ‘anytime assist’ at 9/2 and key set-piece weapon Gabriel ‘scores a header’ at 12/1 (both Bet365).
Will it be sour grapes on the lunch menu for Ange Postecoglou when his Tottenham go to Tamworth (12.30pm, ITV)? The Spurs boss has looked rather like a bulldog chewing a wasp lately, with too many decisions and results going against him. I doubt the spiciness of the Lamb Ground pitch, or Tamworth’s long-throw whoppers will turn that frown upside down. Pass the Tums!.
