FA Cup quarter-finals betting tips: Forest fancy another feast against Brighton and Pep’s Man City look to avoid another Cherries slip-up

The scars of Cheltenham have just about healed, and after 12/5, 18/5 and 4/1 winners last time out - which included Newcastle to stun Liverpool and win the Carabao Cup – we are f***ing back and ready to wage war on the Camel Coats again this weekend as the FA Cup reaches the quarter-final stage.

Before we kick on, though, what was that international break about? Jordan Henderson being in the England squad over Morgan Gibbs-White in 2025 is criminal.

Tuchel has been at the Bitburger Pils again, hasn’t he?

Right then, here’s your weekly fix of the Bookie Basher’s Sports News Blitz betting tips.

Fulham vs Crystal Palace

History suggests Crystal Palace might get it done against Fulham, given that the Eagles have progressed from four of their last five FA Cup last-eight ties, only failing in 2018/19 against Watford during this run.

I like Marco Silva - a wonderfully experienced coach but a guy with the air of a harassed PE teacher.

The Eagles won 2-0 here as recently as February and look worth a bet to me. 11/5 actually looks massive.

Did I tell you on Gold Cup Day at Cheltenham a geezer in a trilby whispered to me in the parade ring, “Do you want the winner of the next race?”

I said, “No thanks, I’ve only got a small garden.”

Suggested Bet: Crystal Palace to win at 11/5 (bet365)

Brighton vs Nottingham Forest

Nottingham Forest have lost their last three FA Cup quarter-final ties and lost each of those 1-0. In fact, the last time they made the semis was the 1990/91 campaign.

Led by Stuart Pearce - with his thighs like wads of boiled ham - the Tricky Tricksters made the final that year before going down 2-1 to Spurs.

The last time these two met, Forest went bananas and won 7-0, with Chris Wood scoring a hat-trick.

However, Wood was forced off in the 54th minute of New Zealand’s World Cup qualifier against New Caledonia on Monday night.

Forest will have everything crossed that the injury sustained by their star striker does not keep him out against Brighton, but once again, I can’t see why the home side are so short.

Forest are third in the Premier League and have been playing some awesome stuff this season. They are slightly bigger than 3/1 to win this and that looks worth tickling, surely?

Suggested Bet: Nottingham Forest to win at 16/5 (Betfair Sportsbook/Paddy Power/Skybet)

ALSO ON SNB: Rugby union news: Springboks head coach Rassie Erasmus launches podcast

Preston North End vs Aston Villa

Preston North End - the only Football League side left in this season's FA Cup - contest their first quarter-final since 1966 on Sunday against the Villa.

It's been some season for Aston Villa, who have also reached the last 16 of the Champions League.

The bookies have them at two’s to win this, and it’s hard to argue against such a price.

Plymouth’s win against Liverpool a couple of rounds ago is proof that the magic of the Cup is still alive and kicking, but my hunch is that logic prevails over magic at Deepdale.

Marco Asensio has scored seven goals in his last five matches for Villa, so forgive me for getting a little hot under the collar about 13/2 quotes that he scores first on the sabbath.

Whisper it quietly, but I also don’t hate the 4/1 currently available on Villa winning the FA Cup this year.

Suggested Bet: Marco Asensio to score first at 13/2 (Betfair Sportsbook/Paddy Power)

Bournemouth vs Manchester City

Back in early November - just as winter was kicking in - Bournemouth did a thing.

The Cherries stunned Manchester City as goals from Antoine Semenyo and Evanilson gave them their first-ever victory over the Premier League champions.

That result also ended City's 32-game unbeaten run in the competition - a record stretching back to 6 December 2023.

Will it be revenge or repeat on Sunday? Pep’s mob are 7/5 to win this, and straight off the bat, that strikes me as too short.

Already this month, they have lost away to Forest and drew 2-2 with Brighton last time out.

I can’t quite back myself to punt the Cherries here at 15/8, but the draw looks a real runner at 11/4.

Suggested Bet: Draw at 11/4 (Betfred/Betway/Skybet)

READ NEXT: FA Cup news: Preston North End vs Aston Villa – Five key battles and score prediction