March 27, 2025
3 Minute Read
FA Cup Quarter-Finals Preview & Betting Tips
The international break is done and dusted, and now, England’s oldest football competition returns. The FA Cup quarter-finals are on this weekend, and with some giants already knocked out, a few sides will be dreaming of lifting silverware come May.
Let’s take a closer look at the cracking ties this weekend, with my best predictions and betting tips included.
Fulham v Crystal Palace
Saturday | 12:15 UTC | Craven Cottage
We kick things off with a London derby by the Thames. Fulham will still be buzzing after their 2-0 win over Tottenham before the break. That result left them 4 points outside the Top 4 and with one eye firmly on European qualification—whether through the league or a cup run.
Crystal Palace have momentum too. 4 wins on the spin in all competitions and Jean-Philippe Mateta is back after injury. Oliver Glasner has revitalised this team, and they’ll see this as a winnable fixture.
That said, Fulham at home is a tough task. It’s a close call, but I’m backing the hosts to edge this one.
Prediction: Fulham to Win- 2.34
Brighton v Nottingham Forest
Saturday | 17:15 UTC | AMEX Stadium
Another fascinating clash between two sides exceeding expectations this season. Fabian Hürzeler’s Brighton have been brilliant under the radar, quietly pushing for Europe and showing their class in a recent 2-2 draw away at Man City.
Forest have stunned everyone. Their 4-2 thumping of Ipswich was just the latest in a long list of impressive performances. They’re consistent, confident, and hard to stop.
This is tough to call; both sides are on form and capable of magic moments. I’m sitting on the fence and calling a draw in 90 minutes.
Prediction: Draw- 1.82
Preston v Aston Villa
Sunday | 13:30 UTC | Deepdale
Championship side Preston are the last EFL team standing in this year’s FA Cup, and they’ll be dreaming of a Deepdale shock. They head into this one off the back of a solid 2-1 win over Portsmouth before the break and are unbeaten in 15 at home.
Villa, though, are a different beast. Unai Emery’s side are chasing a top-four finish and still going strong in Europe. It’s been 68 years since they last won this competition, something the Spaniard will be desperate to change.
Preston will make it tough, but Villa’s quality should shine through over 90 minutes.
Prediction: Aston Villa to Win- 1.45
Bournemouth v Manchester City
Sunday | 16:30 UTC | Vitality Stadium
Bournemouth have been one of the stories of the season. Iraola has done a superb job, and the Cherries will see this as a golden chance to reach a semi-final. But they’re up against the favourites and City’s experience at this stage is unmatched.
Pep’s side aren’t quite the unstoppable force of old, but they know how to get the job done. Bournemouth beat City earlier in the season, but can lightning strike twice?
I don’t think so. Expect a tight affair, but one where City edge through.
Prediction: Manchester City to Win- 2.38
Stephen’s FA Cup Acca
✅ Fulham to Win v Crystal Palace
✅ Brighton v Nottingham Forest – Draw
✅ Aston Villa to Win v Preston
✅ Manchester City to Win v Bournemouth
🔥 Acca Odds: 32.00
Odds are correct at time of writing
