Road to Wembley - 2025/26 FA Cup Quarter-Final Analysis and Betting Preview
The 2025/26 FA Cup quarter-finals feature exciting match-ups with high stakes for top-tier teams and potential Cinderella stories. Manchester City, with a stunning 17-game winning streak at home, remains the favorite against Liverpool. Chelsea, despite a rough Premier League season, is set to face League One underdog Port Vale at Stamford Bridge. Arsenal's depth will be tested against a stubborn Southampton, while West Ham meets Leeds in a critical encounter. With Arsenal leading betting odds, this tournament continues to deliver nail-biting excitement.
- The FA Cup quarter-finals are being played this Easter weekend
- High profile clash sees Man City host Liverpool at Etihad Stadium
- Chelsea are Arsenal are expected to reach the semi-finals
- Manchester City vs Liverpool
- Chelsea vs Port Vale
- Southampton vs Arsenal
- West Ham United vs Leeds
- FA Cup Winner Betting Odds
Recent years have seen a mix of dominance and surprises. Manchester United famously denied Manchester City a double in 2024, while Crystal Palace etched their name into history with a stunning 2025 final victory.
With the final looming, the stage is set for a weekend of high-stakes drama. Let's take a look at all four quarter-finals on Easter weekend.
Etihad Stadium | Saturday, 12:45pm
Manchester City enter this clash with the disappointing Champions League exit to Real Madrid fresh in their minds. They gained some confidence before the international break beating Arsenal in the League Cup final.
Pep Guardiola’s side have turned the Etihad into a fortress in this competition, holding a staggering 17-game winning streak at home in the FA Cup.
With the Citizens defeating twice in the Premier League this season, the hosts are heavy favorites to extend their record-breaking run of eight consecutive semi-final appearances.
Liverpool arrive at a crossroads, picking up just one win from their last four matches. With a pivotal Champions League tie against PSG on the horizon, manager Arne Slot faces a tactical dilemma.
Stamford Bridge | Saturday, 5:15pm
On paper, this is the classic David vs Goliath story that defines the FA Cup. Chelsea, despite a turbulent league campaign, have found solace in knockout football, dismantling Charlton 5-1 and Wrexham 4-2 in previous rounds.
Playing at Stamford Bridge, the Blues are expected to dominate possession and utilise their superior depth to wear down the League One opponents.
Port Vale represent the romantic heartbeat of the 2026 tournament. Despite dispatching Bristol City and Sunderland to reach this stage, the bookmakers see this as a foregone conclusion, but Chelsea must avoid complacency to prevent a huge upset.
St Mary's Stadium | Saturday, 8:00pm
Southampton have emerged as the tournament's dark horse after a gritty 1-0 win over Fulham in the fifth round. Playing under the lights at St Mary’s, the Saints have developed a reputation for being a stubborn unit that thrives on high-pressing transitions.
Arsenal have been involved in a relentless Premier League title race and face Portuguese champions Sporting Clube de Portugal in the Champions League quarter-finals on Tuesday.
Mikel Arteta’s side have been the best in the country for large swathes of the season, but their depth is set to be tested. If the Gunners fail to score early, the pressure will mount, and Southampton have the weapons to test Arsenal's backline.
West Ham United vs Leeds
London Stadium | Sunday, 4:30pm
West Ham advanced after a dramatic penalty shootout win over Brentford and have Jarrod Bowen in clinical form. The Hammers are embroiled in a relegation scrap in the Premier League but have a great chance to reach the semi-finals.
Leeds are far from safe in the top flight and might view this as a welcome distraction or a dangerous burden. Their 3-0 demolition of Norwich in the fifth round showed they have the offensive firepower to hurt anyone.
FA Cup Winner Betting Odds
Arsenal lead the way in the betting odds followed by Manchester City. Chelsea and Liverpool are next best with West Ham, Leeds, Southampton and Port Vale appearing to make up the numbers.
| Team | Odds |
|---|---|
| Arsenal |
2.75 |
| Man City |
4.00 |
| Chelsea |
4.50 |
| Liverpool |
6.50 |
| West Ham |
17.00 |
| Leeds |
21.00 |
| Southampton |
51.00 |
| Port Vale |
251.00 |
Verdict
Following their 2-0 victory over Arsenal in the League Cup final, Manchester City are my tip to lift the 2026 FA Cup. Their home record can help to overcome Liverpool in the quarter-finals.
The Gunners are juggling the pressures of the Champions League, a Premier League title race and Chelsea concede an alarming number of goals.
City have lost the last two finals, but are well placed to go one step further and lift their eighth FA Cup trophy.
Manchester City
Winner
@3/1 - 5 Units
£30 Free Bet
Use promo code NEWBONUS
Claim £30 free bet & 20 Free Spins. Use the promo code NEWBONUS. New Hollywoodbets account holders. 18 years or older. United Kingdom residents only. T&Cs apply.
Related
Top Betting Sites
Betting offers
Upcoming Events
28 March 2026
- LEC 2026 Spring -
- Esports
01 April 2026
04 April 2026
Load More
Today's Acca Tips
-
Soccer tips
-
Tennis tips
