GEST OF HONOUR
Rudy can rattle City
MIDDLESBROUGH manager Aitor Karanka must put away thoughts of Premier League survival when his side face Manchester City in the FA Cup. Karanka should play a full-strength side if they are to stand a realistic chance of beating their illustrious visitors. Boro have plummeted down the table as their lack of cutting edge has been exposed. But today’s quarter-final is a oneoff, it’s at the Riverside and it represents a free shot for 7-1 outsiders. I was at City’s match against Stoke on Wednesday where the home side lacked tempo and were poor. Doubtless manager Pep Guardiola will start with a stronger line-up here but he will have one eye on Monaco in midweek, so he cannot afford to go in all guns blazing.
Class
It makes it tricky to call but StanJames.com go evens about both sides scoring and BetVictor are offering some tempting prices for punters prepared to back Boro to be level at 90 minutes. Remember, quarter-final ties now must finish on the day, so no replays.
The 18-5 about the 90-minute draw appeals, as does their 17-2 about a 1-1 scoreline. I expect the away side to seek to impose their class from the off and in-form Raheem Sterling rates the bet to open the scoring at 6-1.
But Benin international striker Rudy Gestede, who cost Boro £6m in January, is value to bag an equaliser at the 10-1 on offer.
Millwall will not lack support at White Hart Lane tomorrow when Spurs will represent the toughest challenge yet for the giantkillers.
Go for a 2-0 home victory at BetVictor’s 6-1, back unstoppable Harry Kane to get the first at the 85-40 available with the same firm and go to Betfred and Sky Bet for their 7-2 about Dele Alli getting the second and last goal.