After the excitement of FA Cup third round weekend, those teams that emerged unscathed from any potential banana skins can begin to set their sights on a trip to Wembley in May.
Chelsea are more familiar with the home of the FA Cup than most, having won four of the six finals since the new stadium was unveiled in 2007, and the holders are understandably favourites at 4/1 (5.00) with William Hill to lift the trophy once again following their impressive 5-1 win away to Southampton.
No team have won the world’s oldest domestic cup competition on more occasions than Manchester United.
The Red Devils are available at 9/2 (5.50) to come through their replay against West Ham and emerge victorious for the first time since 2004, a price which is sure to shorten should the Premier League leaders get past the Hammers.
However, Alex Ferguson’s men are most likely to concentrate their energy on wrestling back the Premier League title from neighbours Manchester City, who will not want to end the season empty-handed.
Roberto Mancini’s men will be hard-pressed to catch United at home, and their early exit from the Champions League makes the FA Cup all the more important in order so save their season.
These factors mean they seem like much better value for the same 9/2 (5.50) odds to take back the trophy they won two seasons ago.
Tottenham are ticking along nicely under new boss Andre Villas-Boas, and are available at 8/1 (9.00) to add to their impressive haul of nine victories in this competition this season, the last of which came way back in 1991.
North London rivals Arsenal hardly need reminding that they have not won any silverware since picking up the FA Cup in 2005, and they are priced at 9/1 (10.00) to overcome Swansea at the second time of asking before going on to win the competition.
Last season’s beaten finalists Liverpool are also available at 9/1 (10.00), and a seemingly favourable draw against League One Oldham could make them seem like a good option to go all the way for the first time since 2006.
However, with inconsistent side still in the early stages of a long rebuilding process, their Merseyside rivals Everton look like the dark horses to back this season, at tempting odds of 9/1 (10.00).
The Toffees are reaping the rewards of 10 steady years under the command of David Moyes, and have demonstrated their ability to go toe-to-toe with any side in the top flight this season, meaning the Scot could be set to finally break his trophy duck after finishing as runner-up in 2009 and taking his side to the semi-finals last season.
Sign up with William Hill for a £25 free bet
Al Hain-Cole is a Liverpool fan, experienced tipster and avid follower of European football. He specialises in accumulators and if you would like to read more from Al you can follow him on Twitter here.
Follow GoalBetting on