FA CUP FOURTH ROUND TIPS: WHIFF OF A GIANT KILLING IN THE AIR
Giant-killing potential is very much alive as the FA Cup returns for the fourth round.
Lower- and non-league sides continue to dream of Wembley and the famous old competition has certainly thrown up some fascinating ties this time round.
For the big boys, the FA Cup represents a chance of major success and European qualification and the likes of Arsenal, Manchester City, Aston Villa and Liverpool will all be looking to lay down a marker and make it to round five.
We’ve explored the fixture list and have compiled our three best bets for the FA Cup fourth round…
Tip 1 – Grimsby to beat Wolves (Draw No Bet) @ 17/5
It’s been a season to forget for Wolves but they’ve had some relief in the form of the FA Cup, wherein they have been given two lower-league sides in the early rounds.
Comfortably seeing off Shrewsbury in round three, the Old Gold head to Grimsby for a tie that may well set alarm bells ringing for a potential cup upset.
The Mariners are having a strong League Two campaign, but it was a cup competition that put them in the headlines.
The EFL Cup win over Manchester United was one of the biggest nights in their history and they went on to knock out Championship side Sheffield Wednesday before falling to Brentford.
That run will give them hope of another giant killing here.
Wolves won’t fancy the trip to Lincolnshire. Grimsby are nine unbeaten in the league and have kept a staggering eight clean sheets in the process.
MK Dons and, curiously, third-round opponents Weston Super Mare are the only sides to score against them in 2026.
This is their fourth home draw in a row and the first meeting between the sides for 23 years. Rob Edwards’ side will have to be wary of their League Two opponents – but given their struggles this season that may not be enough.
The momentum of a cup run can only strengthen Grimsby’s play-off push, while Wolves probably just want the season to end.
No wins and just five away goals this season will give the home side more than the confidence they need.
Odds of 17/5 for Grimsby to win draw no bet can’t be ignored, as the magic of the cup lives on.
Tip 2 – Manchester City to score over 5.5 goals vs Salford @ 13/5
It is deja vu for Salford.
A third-round trip to the Etihad last season ended in an 8-0 defeat for the Ammies and Karl Robinson’s men might well be fearing a similarly expensive afternoon in the goals conceded department.
City were absolutely ruthless in the third round. A 10-1 win over Exeter City is an ominous sign for a side a division below the Grecians in the league pyramid.
Salford are sixth in League Two, enjoying a profitable season as they chase their highest-ever league finish and had won four in a row on the road before a recent defeat at Accrington.
They have shipped the most goals in the top eight of the league with 35 so, if City field a strong side as they did against Exeter, it could be a long afternoon.
City scored at least twice in every game apart from the final in last year’s FA Cup, meaning 13/5 for over 5.5 in this one represents a solid choice.
They are still competing in four competitions this season; a strong performance here would keep hopes of an astounding quadruple alive.
City’s 32 home goals are the most in the Premier League – the visitors will do very well to keep the score respectable here.
Tip 3 – Morgan Rogers to score & be carded vs Newcastle @ 13/1
Aston Villa can give the FA Cup a real go this season as they hunt for a first major trophy since 1996.
A win against Spurs in the last round was impressive and it’s another all-Premier League tie here as Newcastle travel to the West Midlands.
Eddie Howe’s Magpies squeezed past Bournemouth on penalties in January and a trip to Villa probably isn’t high on the wishlist. They lost 2-0 at St James’ Park to Unai Emery’s men just a couple of weeks ago.
In Morgan Rogers, Aston Villa have a player in double figures for goals this season and the England international scored what turned out to be the winner at Spurs to ensure their passage into the fourth round.
He also has five yellow cards to his name and has picked up a booking in two of his last three matches. It is a long 13/1 for Rogers to score and be carded in 90 minutes in this one.
It should be an entertaining one at Villa Park. The home side’s title challenge is all but gone, but a strong FA Cup and Europa League campaign will represent a very successful campaign for the Villans.
Fancy all our FA Cup shouts to land? You can combine all three tips into a 200/1 Acca. Add it to your betslip by clicking here
Odds correct at time of publication but subject to change
