FA Cup: outright predictions, analysis & free football betting tips

Racing Post Sport's football experts make their FA Cup outright picks.

Mark Langdon

Best bet
West Ham

Taking a punt on a less obvious candidate looks the way to go this season with the Big Six having shown they have plenty of flaws and the random factor of a virus which could rip through a squad at any stage.

West Ham, who have not lost to a team from outside the elite six since the opening weekend, are the type of mid-table side who could spring out from the pack now Michail Antonio is fit again.

The Hammers have, er, hammered Wolves and Leicester, beaten Everton and Leeds on the road and taken points off Tottenham and Manchester City too.

Liam Flin

Best bet
Everton

Everton are in serious contention for a European berth in the Premier League but their absence from continental competition this term could hand them an advantage in the later rounds of the FA Cup.

The Toffees have enjoyed wins over Arsenal, Chelsea, Leicester and Tottenham this season, so have shown they can mix it with the big guns, and they have a former FA Cup-winning manager in Carlo Ancelotti.

Aaron Ashley

Best bet
Chelsea

The FA Cup has been dominated by the Premier League's elite in recent times and although Chelsea are going through a tough period, they have the necessary squad depth to overcome their troubles.

While many of the big guns are dependant on key individuals, Chelsea's first team is practically identical in talent to their second string and that should ensure they ease through to the later stages of a competition in which they have reached the final in three of the last four years.

Steve Davies

Best bet
Arsenal

This year, more than ever, the top guns with the big squads are going to be at an advantage in the FA Cup.

The Manchester giants appear to be coming into form in time for a spring assault on some silverware while Tottenham have shown their knockout pedigree in the EFL Cup.

But at a bigger price another improving outfit, Arsenal, are fancied to successfully defend their crown and win it for the fifth time in eight years.

Kevin Pullein

Best bet
Southampton

Southampton could represent each-way value. They are the sort of non-elite Premier League team well-suited to springing a surprise if things go their way.

If they get a bad draw, they are as capable as any, and more capable than some, of beating one of the best if they have a good day and their opponents do not.

Others that could fit the bill include Everton and West Ham. I marginally prefer Southampton.

James Milton

Best bet
Southampton

Southampton, who host League One Shrewsbury in the third round, look tempting outsiders. They have lost only two of their last 15 Premier League matches – narrow losses to both Manchester clubs – and have conceded only twice in their last six, including Monday's 1-0 win over Liverpool.

Manchester United reached the semi-finals of the last four cup competitions in which they have participated and they also appeal given their squad depth and impressive away form.

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