Daniel McCulloch (@DMcCulloch1984) turns his attention to the FA Cup and Saturday lunchtime's quarter-final showdown between Watford and Crystal Palace.
Watford v Crystal Palace | Saturday 16th March 2019, 12:15 | BT Sport
This is the most interesting tie of the FA Cup quarter-finals, in my opinion, with these two having formed somewhat of a rivalry over the last few seasons.
I believe it began when Wilfried Zaha won Crystal Palace a penalty in the 2013 play-off final and continued when the Eagles defeated Watford in the semi-final of the FA Cup three years ago.
Zaha is certainly key to this rivalry, having frequently been targeted by Watford players. Last season the Ivorian inspired a comeback in the dying minutes to secure a 2-1 victory for his side but this season it's been Watford who have secured victories by that scoreline, although the first encounter was marred by a horrendous challenge from Etienne Capuoue.
Since that play-off final six seasons ago, these two have met nine teams, with Palace securing four wins to Watford's three but all victories have finished by a single goal margin. Five of those nine matches have finished 2-1 to either side and with that in mind, I like the look of backing both options. Watford to win 2-1 is 35/4 with Sportingbet while the same bet on Palace is 21/2 with BetVictor.
Given that Watford have scored in 11 of their 14 home matches and Palace have found the net in 13 of their 15 away league games this term, I couldn't put the more conservative of you off from backing Both Teams To Score at 4/5 with William Hill. I would bet in such a way that if this comes in but the Correct Score predictions don't then you are still in profit.
I also feel that Gerard Delefeou is too big at 11/4 in the Anytime Goalscorer market but four recommendation feels like one too many for this column.
Best Bets
Watford v Crystal Palace – Both Teams To Score (4/5 William Hill)
Watford v Crystal Palace – Watford to win 2-1 (35/4 Sportingbet)
Watford v Crystal Palace – Crystal Palace to win 2-1 (21/2 BetVictor)
