The FA Cup

By Nishant Joshi

Fulham v Tottenhan Hotspur



6th February 17:15 GMT
ITV1 (17:00-19:30), ITV HD (17:00-19:30), Setanta Ireland (17:00-19:20)

The quarterfinals of this year's FA Cup sees two London rivals pitted against each other. After an unbeaten February, Roy Hodgson are comfortable in the Premiership, through to the Last 16 of the Europa League (seriously, why did they change it from UEFA Cup?!), and are looking to push on.

Despite a number of serious injuries to their best players, Fulham have picked up and are now on the cusp of creating history in Europe. This has typified their resilient character and the extent to which they play as a team, and it is this character which makes me perfectly content in backing Fulham in these two cups this year.

For this particular match, Fulham have a home tie and will surely want to avoid an away leg at Spurs, given the huge discrepancy in their home and away form. Under Roy Hodgson, Spurs have come away from Craven Cottage with 0-0 draws on both occasions, and it's hard to see Spurs breaking down a resolute defence in front of a raucous crowd. In my opinion, Spurs will do incredibly well to beat a side who have won five on the trot at home, and are in as confident a mood as they have been for years.

Therefore, it's incredibly surprising to see Spurs as favourites for the tie, let alone as 2.4 jollies. Fulham demand to be backed here, although we'll have the draw on our side as insurance.

NJ's Bets:

Back Fulham to beat Spurs (draw no bet): 5pts @ 2.2 (Paddy Power)

Nishant Joshi