Our featured match in the fifth round of the FA Cup on Thursday night sees Derby County and Wayne Rooney take on Manchester United
Derby
This is the last of the midweek fifth round ties, all of which are settled on the night. Derby have already taken 1 Premier League scalp in the shape of Crystal Palace whom they beat 1-0 at Selhurst Park in Round 3. That set up a fourth round tie with League 2 side Northampton and Derby made hard work of it, drawing 0-0 away from home before winning the replay 4-2. Wayne Rooney scored the fourth of Derby's goals (from the spot) in that game to set up a dream tie with his old club.
In the Championship Derby are just below half way and with a 9 point gap to a play off place they look likely to remain in the second tier. Home form is by far their strongest suit as they boast the third best record in the division
Man United
United are involved in the race to qualify for the Champions League next season as well as the Europa League which is now at the last 16 stage. In the earlier rounds of this competition they beat Wolves 1-0 in a third round replay at Old Trafford after a 0-0 draw in the first meeting and then made short work of League 1 strugglers Tranmere with a 6-0 win away from home.
The win at Tranmere was the first match in a run of 8 games unbeaten spanning 3 different competitions, the games are coming thick and fast but this run represents United's most consistent form of the season. At the start of this week you could get 16/1 about United winning the FA Cup.
The Betting:
At the time of writing Derby are 5/1 to win in 90 minutes with the draw at 32/10 and United are 5/10 favourites
A game of 3 goals or more is 13/20 and it's 15/20 for both sides to find the net. (90 minutes)
Rooney can be backed at 34/10 to score anytime in the 90 minutes and 10/1 to score the first goal of regulation time.
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Verdict:
An interesting game with the Rooney factor adding to the conundrum. United have more plates spinning than Derby who's chances of a promotion tilt look remote and that puts extra importance on a bold show for the home side here.
I can see Derby being competitive and for a betting interest I'm going with the 90 minute draw which looks attractively priced.
For additional interest, how about Rooney to score anytime, if there is a penalty of free kick in a dangerous position, be sure he will be first in the queue.
Bet: Match Result Draw at 32/10 (90 mins)
Rooney to score anytime at 34/10
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