FA Cup Semifinals Preview: Backing Liverpool and Chelsea to win

It’s FA Cup semi-final weekend, and first up is a fascinating Merseyside derby clash between Liverpool and Everton (12.30pm KO, Live on ESPN).

Liverpool v Everton, FA Sup Semifinal

Both sides have god records at this stage of the competition, bit on current form Everton simply have to be the bet at a massive looking 3 with bet365 and Boylesports.
David Moyes’ side have been on a terrific run since Christmas and have tasted just two defeats in their last 13 games.
They have won four of their last five and and are now sitting above their arch rivals in the league.
That is due, in part, to a disasterous meltdown since the New Year for Kenny Dalglish’s side.
They have won just 3 from 14 in the league this year, and the players seem to have lost their desire and discipline.
The Reds also have defensive problems at the moment and have managed to keep a cleaned sheet in just one of their last 12 games.
Thats poor reading, especially when you throw in the fact that they have both their frontline goalkeepers suspended for this and have managed to find the back of the net just 40 times in 33 Premier League games.
So with Everton coming into this on the back of battering Sunderland 4-0 they simply have to be the bet.
The Toffees hold both a form and psychological advantage coming into the game, and are fancied to come out on top 2-1 – a scoreline which can be backed at 12 with
Betfred.
Jelavic has proven an instant hit following his £5.5m arrival from Rangers in January.
Despite early progress being hampered by an injury niggle, the Croatia international’s double at Norwich City last weekend has taken his tally to five in eight games for Everton.
He therefore makes plenty of appeal at 8 with Boylesports and Paddy Power.

Tottenham v Spurs, FA Cup Semifinal

The second game, which takes place at Wembley on Sunday, is yet another derby with Spurs taking on top four rivals Chelsea (6pm KO, Live on ITV1)
Bookmakers can’t split the pair, with 2.75 the price generally on offer for both to win in 90 minutes with the draw chalked up at 3.4 with bet365.
The fact that the game is kicking off when it does has upset Chelsea who will have little time to recover before their UEFA Champions League semi-final first leg with Barcelona on Wednesday.
However their recent record in the FA Cup suggests they could be the team to beat this season, with the West London outfit having lifted the coveted trophy in three of the last five campaigns.
The Blues also have a decent record against Harry Redknapp’s men and have lost just one of their last 32 games in this competition.
That gives them the edge as far as I am concerned, despite the fact that there is little to choose between them in the league with a 1-1 draw at White Hart Lane followed by a goalless stalemate at Stamford Bridge.
Roberto Di Matteo’s side comes into the game in better form, and his biggest decision is likely to be whether to play Fernando Torres or Didier Drogba upfront.
I think he will side with Drogba who has an excellent goalscoring record at Wembley.
He is a 9.5 shot with Boylesports to score first, and that looks good value.
Boylesports also offer a generous looking 2.88 for a Chelsea victory, and I fancy them to win 2-1 which is an 11 chance with Betfred.
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