FA Cup betting, Norwich - Leicester

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Lambert stated that Premier League status is their prime objective, but the fact is they’re 8^th with eleven points above the line and next league game is for eight days. Leicester are safe from relegation in Championship and nine points far from play-off. It looks like both sides could have a push for Cup competition. Both sides also have enough fire power and they probably wouldn’t like to play a repeat game. I expect an open match and go for goals.

Bet: Over 2.5
Odd: 1.88 (Pinnacle)
Stake: 9/10
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Blackpool - Stoke

This is do or die game for the Seasiders (as the previous two were though). Only goal difference is keeping them above the line and beside Stoke, they’ll host Bolton and visit Spurs and Man Utd. A failure today would probably send them to Championship. They have far worst defence in Premier that in average concedes more than 2 goals per a game. At some moments they don’t even look serious, although showed some improvement against the Toon. Both sides have scored in every of previous 17 games at Bloomfield Road.

Stoke are safe and only area of interest is FA Cup and the final next Sunday. They don’t need points, but I doubt they’d like to damage team morale by losing from the side that is winless in last seven games and has one win of last 14. Besides that, Stoke haven’t lost there since 1964 (10 games). They will miss Etherington who is very important player for the team, but some other guys are in a top shape. Kenwyne Jones, Walters and Pennant should be running the riot. Also, I’m not sure Blackpool will be able to defend the set pieces.

Personally I’ll be cheering for Blackpool. Side that plays 4-3-3 in Premier League regardless the name of opponent should stay, at least for the sake of the game. They will be fighting and attacking, but poor defending will probably send them down to Championship. Goals for me.

Bet: Over 2.75
Odd: 2.00 Pinnacle
Stake: 7/10
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Man Utd - Arsenal (18:15 CET)

Both sides will rotate players. Man Utd had a free week but will play CL at Tuesday, Arsenal played two painful games in last 7 days.

Another failure could start a free fall for Utd and I guess Ferguson will be very serious about this match. Arsenal should have passed Barca and I’m not sure how they’re mentally prepared for a hell place for them (Utd have won 8 of last 10 games vs. Arsenal at Old Trafford).

I was ready to leave this game alone, but the price on Man Utd is too good to be refused. Ferguson will certainly try to avoid a reply and to be honest, I can’t see the Gunners winning at Old Trafford. 

Bet: Man Utd -0.25
Odd: 1.86 188bet
Stake: 7/10
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Birmingham - Sheff Wed

Brum are quite impressive in Cup competitions this year, have already secured a Wembley final in Carling and perform very well in FA Cup. They scored a lot against lower division sides, four in previous round at Millwall, three against MK Dons, Rochdale and Coventry. Birmingham don’t have a midweek game and Alex McLeish could name a strong squad. However, he’s facing some problems in the back line since defenders Jiranek, Ridgewell and Davies are all rated as doubtful.

Wednesday are a real mystery for me. They have enough quality to, at least, fight for a play-off spot, but they currently hold a miserable 16th place with 10 points less than 6th Posh. They haven’t won in nine league games and lost seven away games in a row (in those seven, goal diff 6-22). Mandaric appointed Gary Megson as a manager and I expect some improvement. Striker Medine is cup tied, midfielder Coke suspended, mid Miller and def Buxton are in doubt.

Birmingham are strong favourites in my opinion, they have a habit to score a lot against teams from lower divisions and Wednesday’s defence is just terrible at the moment. On the other hand, this will be the first game after a while that visitors will play without any pressure. Goals should be the better option than home win.

Bet: over 2.5
Odd: 1.96 188bet
Stake: 8/10

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FA Cup - 29.01.

Some interesting games in FA Cup. Post will be updating with new picks.

Burnley - Burton

Burnley are very strong home side (5th in Championship considering points at home) and probably they’ll be in chase for promotion (through play-off). New boss Eddie Howe, started to improve away record winning at Portsmouth (at the same beat terrible record against Pompey). This is first home game and he’ll probably try to keep the momentum.

Guys from Pirelli Stadium are fighting for their lives in League Two (58 places lower than Burnley) with probably the worst away record in English football (6 points of 9 games). They started to improve under new boss Peschisolido and in previous round shocked ‘Boro at home, but don’t think they’re even close to surprise here.

I’ll try with two bets. The Clarets are strong favourites in my opinion (despite it’s a Cup) and I expect at least two goals margin (with one, half stake is back). Other one is gamble in hoping players will continue to impress new boss. Pure instinct.  

Bet 1: Burnley -1.25
Odd: 1.74 Canbet
Stake: 8/10
 

Bet 2: Burnley -3ah
Odd: 5.75 bet365
Stake: 1/10
 

Watford - Brighton

Watford are the highest scorers in Championship with 52 goals(!) in 26 games and their last eight games (seven in league) went in over 2.5 (five were over 3.5). Last weekend’s defeat at Cardiff ended their run of seven consecutive wins (six in league)! Malky Mackay rotated players in previous round vs. Hartlepool and will probably do that again. Skipper Eustace is rated as doubtful and will probably be saved for the league.

Brighton are flying high in the League One and it seems they’re sure for direct promotion (six points more than 3rd Hudders and game in hand). They’re playing nice, passing game that usually produces goals. In 2011. (last six games), The Seagulls scored 15 times. They won five of the last six league and cup encounters, in previous round they eliminated Pompey and as Hornets they shouldn’t be lacking in confidence.

I guess both sides are hoping for progress. Wouldn’t dare to predict a winner, but I think we’ll be watching an entertaining game and goals on both sides.

Bet: Over 2.75
Odd: 2.04 188bet
Stake: 8/10

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Leeds - Arsenal

Leeds are really good in FA Cup recently, knocked Man Utd  at Trafford and played a draw at White Hart Lane last year, in this campaign resisted at Emirates (almost won, actually). Also, United will be confident as they’re undefeated at home in last seven and failed to score only once in last 15 games. The pressure is off (understandable) and Elland will be packed. No way I’ll be against them in these circumstances. Becchio  got some injury against Scunny and is rated as doubtful, but I’d be shocked if he doesn’t start (as I was shocked with Cattermole at Sunday, though).

Problem with Arsenal is they’re missing too many chances and if don’t score until 60th minute, become nervous. On the other hand if Gunners manage to score in first 15-20 mins, they will run the riot. Leeds kept them quiet in the first encounter, will they be able to do that again? No, I don’t believe in it. Arsenal have Wigan for the weekend and Ipswich for six days (after 0-1) and nobody could really assume the team that Wenger will name. Before the Emirates’ draw, Gunners noticed three consecutive wins over Leeds, scoring 13 goals in those. Arsenal haven’t been knocked in the third round in past 15 years.  

I won’t be involved in the final outcome, but high scoring game and away win is my expected scenario. Don’t think Leeds can keep it tight again and I’m sure they really believe in progress. On the other hand, Wenger knows here’s no reply. Goals would be my call.

Bet: Over 3
Odd: 2.06 188bet
Stake: 8/10

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Brighton & Hove - Portsmouth

Hosts are strong promotion contender from League One (holding the top). Despite Gus Poyet takes every opportunity to point how cup competitions are not important (appearances in previous rounds against Woking and FC United of Manchester can just confirm that), their 4-3-3 formation won’t be changed particularly for this game. Considering odds drop on home side, Poyet will probably name the strong squad.

Pompey are winless in last four league games (2D-2L) and conceded three times in every of last three! They simply can’t keep the clean sheet (did it just once in last 12). However, Steve Cotterill has only 14-15 players fit. This could mean he’ll name the strongest squad.

Both sides are attacking minded and although I give more chances to Portsmouth, my call is goals.

Bet: Over 2.5
Odd: 2.02 bet365
Stake: 7/10

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Burnley - Port Vale

Burnley are 10th in Championship with more than decent home record (8W-2D-3L). Their current form is not something special as they have four wins and four defeats in last eight and have not kept a clean sheet for 13 league and cup games. However, caretaker Stuart Gray plans to name the strongest squad for this game. Only missing is striker John Guidetti who returned to Manchester City.

Port Vale are third in League Two and fight for a direct promotion (a point below the line). In the last league round they beat Burton at home (2-1), but before that they noticed three consecutive defeats on the road where scored zero and conceded nine goals. Best striker, Marc Richards, is injured (and suspended). Midfielder Doug Loft will also be sidelined due to injury.

Burnley are 42 places higher than Port Vale. Difference in quality, serious approach and home turf are factors that make me feel there’s no room for surprise.

Bet: Burnley -1.25
Odd: 2.03 Pinnacle
Stake: 8/10

Maybe one more...
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Southampton - Blackpool

S’ton are doing well in League One, second place and good run of results. Three wins in a row and eleven goals scored in those (one of them was Hudders at home 4-1). Nigel Adkins will name almost the strongest squad, only absentee is winger Lee Holmes. Striker Lee Barnard should be in starting eleven. Saints lost in the third round in only one of the last six seasons.

Holloway had an interesting press conference where he said he’ll name not weakened, but 2nd team at St Mary's. Premier League is priority, we play top games every week, blah blah. While his attitude is completely understandable, I don’t believe they’ll show the white flag before the kick-off. And it wouldn’t be the first time Blackpool to make a shock with fringe players. Also, I’m positive Holloway will not change the style of play. 

Southampton should be (at least) a slight favourite here, but at 1.90 it doesn’t worth imo. I will go for goals.

Bet: Over 2.5
Odd: 1.75 Interwetten
Stake: 8/10
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More to follow...

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Plymouth – Swindon

The Pilgrims are waking up in the League One. Two home wins in a row, against league giants Huddersfield (2-1) and in the midweek vs. Bristol Rovers (3-1). They’re creating plenty of goal chances lately and possess great attacking potential. Bradley Wright-Phillips is league top goal scorer, they have fast wing play and legendary striker Rory Fallon who is back after injury. However, defense with 25 conceded goals in 15 games looks far from being secure. Additional problem for the back line is missing of two players, defender Johnson and goalie Button. Midfielder Conor Clifford is Cup tied.

Swindon are just a shadow from a team from previous season and play-off ambitions look unrealistic at this moment. Team’s mascot and top goal scorer, Billy Painter, went to Leeds, but their major problem is (same as with Plymouth) too much conceded goals (27 in 15 games). Additional headache for boss Danny Wilson is he cannot count on three defenders. Frampton,  Jean-Francois  and Amankwaah are all out! Good news is winger, Matt Ritchie, got the permission from Portsmouth to play today. Wilson was storming out on older players, after midweek 0-3 home defeat against Charlton for lacking of effort and giving a bad example to the youngsters. There should be some positive reaction from them.

Two attacking minded sides with big problems in the defense lines. FA Cup (and money rewards) should be a nice motivation. I can give a small advantage to the home side, but see goals as a better option.

Bet: Over 2.5
Odd: 1.80 bet365
Stake: 8/10

And probably one more pick, little later.

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Leeds United – Millwall

Bad blood between these two clubs made from their rivalry a real derby. Their games are followed with incidents, usually outside but sometimes even on the pitch. Previous season, Millwall made a first class surprise and knocked Leeds (hard favorite then) from a play-off. All those facts make from their games wars, when team quality stays in the shadow and win a team with bigger heart.

 

Leeds frozen in “war of the roses” Utd at Trafford and then started their downtrend. Lost first position and even put in doubt automatic promotion. Just two home wins in eight competitive games from then and Charlton have sneaked up to 4 points margin (Leeds have a game in hand). In last round they lost away to Saints 0-1, another failure would bring the problems and pressure. Defender Ben Parker is returning after injury, striker Tresor Kandol and winger Max Gradel as well.

 

Millwall are in a great run of results. They’ve lost just one game in 2010. of 14 competitive games (away to Wycombe, 0-1). That game and FA Cup encounter vs. Derby on the road (0-0) were the only two where Millwall didn’t score. They hold 5^th place and it seems we’ll watch them again in play-off. Club legend, striker Neil Harris, is doubtful.  

 

I didn’t intend to get involved in this game, but odds on home win have been rising whole day and now are around even. I think it worth a shot. Home win.

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Tottenham - Bolton

This is a repeating match and winner will face Fulham on the road in the next round. In the first game, Spurs were better rival and unlucky stayed empty handed. In the Premier, they’re in the race for the 4th place, but with the lack of the names in FA Cup Redknapp may see a chance for winning the trophy. At first game as it’s expected for tonight Redknapp rotated the squad, but the fact is those fringe players are actually very good. And in games against physically based teams (as Bolton surely are) they have obvious technical advantage. Tottenham will be without defender Ledley King because of a thigh injury. Arry’s key, Aaron Lennon also misses out after suffering a setback in his recovery from a groin problem, while Younes Kaboul and Kyle Walker are cup-tied. Roman Pavlyuchenko came from the bench and scored twice in last round vs. Wigan and he’s expected to start the game. Gudjohnsen will also get a chance, but more likely in the second half. 

Bolton are facing the tough times trying to avoid relegation. They’re first under the line, with one point less than 17th Hull City. In the previous round, they suffered a hard defeat on the road vs. Blackburn 0-3, while at Saturday (Tottenham will play their game at Sunday) will face Wolves in six points game. Boss Owen Coyle has already stated he’ll rotate the squad and rest some players. However, I don’t expect too much missings and see his talks more like a psychological game. But, real problem for Coyle is Wanderers scored just one goal in last six competitive games (against Spurs in first game)! On-loan midfielder Weiss and Wilshere are cup-tied, while Steinsson (def), Basham (def) and Davies (mid) are injured. Wanderers are without a win in 11 competitive games on the road. 

Tottenham have very good record in FA Cup and they’re very strong at home. Only big name they can face in the next rounds is Chelsea (or Man.City) and they really have a chance to win a trophy. On the other hand Bolton will defend and wait their chance in counter-attack or set-pieces, but true is they’ll be competitive only until first conceded goal. Home win with -1.5 handicap.

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Stoke - Man.City Considering City's psychology, this game definitelly looks like betting on red/black on roulette. Will avoid it.

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WBA - Reading Won't underestimate Reading and will follow their high scoring trend. Over 2.5

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Bolton - Burnley

Six points game. Bolton are second from the bottom, but just one point far from the clubs outside the relegation zone. Club’s management made an interesting move and decided to spend the money on new manager (3 mill. pounds) instead on new players (it should meen they believe in their quality). Owen Coyle arrived from tonight’s opponent and it will be a big advantage as he knows everything about ex-players. He made a debut against Arsenal and noticed two defeats although team made a decent display (in both games). In FA Cup came a first win against second tier side Sheff.Utd. (2-0). With a win tonight would skip at least Burnley. However, Coyle has fitness concerns over four important players. Davies,Gardner, McCann and Taylor are all doubtful (considering the importance of this game, I guess some (maybe all) will play), but on-loan midfielder Vladimir Weiss (Man.City) will make his debut.

 

Burnley are typical home side as they noticed 19 points (from total 20) at home. Coyle’s successor Brian Laws started with a Cup defeat on the road against Reading (0-1). In every of their eleven games on the road they conceded at least twice. They look good until got first, then collapse and got more. However, key striker Steven Fletcher will return after missing the FA Cup game, while another striker Frederic Nimani has joined on loan from Monaco and should appear (probably on the bench). Burnley have the worst record in the division against bottom-half opponents, earning seven points from nine matches.

 

Coyle knows everything about Burnley’s players. But, on the other hand, he made from them an attacking team that plays in the same style on the road which provided great results in second tier, but in Premier it represents the suicidal tactic. But, even if I don’t consider Coyle as important factor, see Bolton as a physically strong side and with new manager effect (also, Megson wasn’t too popular person in the dressing room) I see them as favorites here. Home win and -1.5 handicap as a gamble.

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Southampton - Ipswich Town

Thankfully to 10 points deduction, Saints hold 13th place in the third tier with just three points more than teams from relegation zone. Lately they play very well at their St Mary's Stadium as they’ve noticed six games without a home defeat (four wins, two draws). However, boss Alan Pardew has some problems regarding starting eleven for today’s game. Two regular midfielders are out. Morgan Schneiderlin is suspended, while Dean Hammond is injured. Defenders Danny Seaborne and Jon Otsemobor are Cup tied, while another two from back line Radhi Jaidi and Graeme Murty are long term absentees. However, Saints haven’t lost in six at St Mary's, since Brighton's winning 3-1 visit on 15 November.

 

Ipswich are still struggling as they hold 19^th place in Championship with five points margin from relegation zone. After huge number of draws (13 so far!), Town started to scoring some goals and win. Have four wins in last six competitive games and scored eleven goals. Beside that, boss Kean carries attacking philosophy and his team has the highest number of goal attempts in second tier. They also look serious in this competition as they beat strong home side Blackpool in previous round, 2-1 on the road. Fact they have just a single defeat (C.Palace 1-3 away, Ipswich got a lead but also got a red card in the first half and conceded three times) in previous 15 games makes from them slight favorites today. Striker Jon Stead is suspended, midfielder David Norris will face a late fitness test, while goalie Brian Murphy is close to a return.

 

Alan Pardew is doing very well at Southampton as they still carry the hopes about play-off spot, but they already had too much problems against top League One sides (defeats vs. Leeds and Colchester), will have to overcome some important missings and I simply can’t see them winning today. Ipswich  will surely go for a win as the last thing that Keano wants is reply. I expect some goals and away win, but can not fully exclude a possibility of a draw. Dnb 2 is a bet, away win a gamble.

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Bristol City 1-1 Cardiff City

Gavin Williams scored a tremendous injury-time equaliser to rescue a replay for Bristol City in the FA Cup third-round tie with Cardiff City.
The Welshman arrived at the edge of the area to meet Nicky Maynard's square ball perfectly, Williams blasting a low shot across the diving David Marshall. 
Michael Chopra had given Cardiff a 76th-minute lead when his touchline lob caught Dean Gerken out of position. 
The replay will be held on Tuesday, 19 January at the Cardiff City Stadium. 
With the original date for this game having been postponed because of the freezing weather sweeping the country, there were some nervous glances skywards as fresh show swirled around Ashton Gate.
But Robins groundstaff had worked hard to ensure the game would go ahead and both sets of players went to work with gusto in the icy night air.Then on 76 minutes Chopra produced a moment of skill and opportunism to break the deadlock. 
Warren Feeney chased what seemed to be a lost cause down the right but did enough to cause Robins keeper Gerken to botch his kick. 

The ball fell to Chopra tight on the touchline and the striker curled a sublime first-time chip over the despairing Gerken into the Bristol net - his first goal since 29 September.Then two minutes into injury Maynard collected the ball on the Cardiff 'D', held off his marker and laid the ball perfectly into the path of Williams arriving on the right. 
The Wales midfielder barely had to break stride and clattered a pin-point shot into the far corner to deny the club he supported as a youngster. 
Although denied the win tonight, Cardiff will at least have home-field advantage in a week's time for the replay that will decided who advances to meet Leicester in the fourth round.

www.bbc.co.uk

Bristol City - Cardiff City

Bristol City are in crisis of results as they won only once in last ten Championship games. But on the other hand, they’re also one of the best hosts in the second tier. This season lost just once (in 12 games) at Ashton Gate, previous 3 (in 23) and in season before also 3. Two defenders are out for this game. Jamie McCombe is injured, while Lewin Nyatanga serves a one-match ban. Good news is Robins will be stronger for Evander Sno and Gavin Williams (both midfielders) who are fit after injuries.

 

Cardiff have extended their own crisis with a Saturday’s home draw against Blackpool that ended with booing from the stands. Beside large amount of injuries, virus hit the squad leaving to manager Dave Jones small number of available players. Also, club has been accused for unpaid tax which surely hasn’t improved morale in the club. Also, that could lead to selling of some key players. Rumours are Jay Bothroyd is wanted by Villa, Ledley by Celtic. If Bothroyd play tonight will be cup tied for further cup games in new club. This also applies for Ledley in case of his departure to English club and it’s very possible both will be out of the squad. Jones intends to send some youngsters tonight and big doubt is how much tonight’s eleven will be competitive. Cardiff are winless in last five games at Ashton Gate.

 

This will be tight game, but clear advantage should be given to the hosts. They’re fully motivated and with almost full squad. I wouldn’t totally exclude a possibility of a draw and see dnb option as a good bet, while home win should be considered as a gamble.

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Middlesbrough 0-1 Man City

Manchester City overcame a spirited Middlesbrough side to maintain Roberto Mancini's unblemished record and book a place in the FA Cup fourth round.
Benjani broke the deadlock on the stroke of half-time when he swept home an incisive pass from Martin Petrov. 
Boro impressed with their work-rate and commitment, but struggled to create. 
Their attacking play improved after the break, however, with Rhys Williams heading over their best chance as City squandered several opportunities. 
The win maintains City's flawless start under new Mancini, who has now guided his side to three wins in three games, with six goals scored and none conceded. 
But while Mancini might have racked up 10 Coppa Italia wins as a player and manager, his team selection will have left some onlookers questioning his determination to build on that notable cup record in England. 
Adopting a conservative approach, the Italian made five changes to the City line-up, leaving Benjani to plough a lone furrow up front and handing young defender Dedryck Boyata a first-team debut. 
Even with City in fine form since he replaced Mark Hughes, it was a risky call by Mancini and on another day it might have backfired. 

Boro, labouring 26 places below City on the league ladder, had won just twice in 10 games since Gordon Strachan's late-October arrival on Teesside.

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Scunthorpe Utd.  1-0  Barnsley

1-0 P. Hayes 68.min.

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Blackpool  1-2  Ipswich T.

0-1 J. Colback 3.min.  
1-1 B. Ormerod 51.min.  
1-2 O. Garvan 77.min.
www.bbc.co.uk

Two more

Scunthorpe Utd. - Barnsley

Home side has just a single win in last eleven games. Big problem will be missing their key striker and best goal scorer Gary Hooper. Midfielder Michael O'Connor is in doubt as is first goalie Joe Murphy. Midfielders Andrew Wright and Grant McCann are suspended. The Iron will have a best friend in bad pitch.

Visitors are in run of eight games without a defeat. No injury worries, best eleven should start the game.

Can not imagine home win here. Odd around 1.85 for dnb2 looks like a gift.

And one gamble.

Blackpool - Ipswich Town, Away win.

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That's it. See you soon.

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Middlesbrough - Manchester City

December was surely the worst betting month in my life. The fact it was a failure for 99% of punters doesn't make me feel better. However, I hope new year should return my record in green. Here is the first analyze for today. Before the 4pm kick-off will probably write few more words about the rest. Stay tuned.

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Gordon Strachan was appointed to secure promotion to Premier. Boro have talented team, considering players’ potential, they should be in play-off zone at least. Strachan has specific training methods, in previous clubs (Coventry, Southampton and Celtic) he noticed first win after 4-5 games. Fine. In Boro first win came in fifth game and in big style, QPR were trashed 5-1 on the road. But, instead a start of good run, Riverside was froze by Blackpool 0-3. So, after 10 games under new boss Middlesbrough lie at 11^th position with shameful record of two wins, same draws and six defeats! For this game they will be without a number of important players. Key strikers Leroy Lita is suspended, Dave Kitson returned to Stoke and Jeremie Aliadiere is in a doubt with an ankle injury. Midfielder Isaiah Osbourne is ineligible, key defender Emanuel Pogatetz is out, while David Weather (defense), Adam Johnson (midfield) and Chris Riggot (defense) are doubtful. Defense will also be weakened than usual for Sean St Ledger who returned to his parent club – Preston.

 

Mancini has made a perfect start in City. Two wins from two games and two clean sheets. He has been talking seriously about Cup competition, the least he wants is early upset, Hughes was fielding strong squads and I believe Mancini will keep that manner. But, he also has injury problems. Wright-Phillips is major concern with his ankle problem, Stephen Ireland is definitely out, while Craig Bellamy is doubtful. Kolo Toure and Emmanuel Adebayor are at the African Cup of Nations. But the fact is City have a huge number of quality players and whoever will start the game will have a motive to put a good display. To prove himself to the new boss or to advertise before a transfer market, doesn’t matter.

 

My major concern wasn’t teams’ quality. Weather is cold, but it’s the same for both sides. Pitch is in good condition, won’t limit City’s pass play. I was thinking a lot about their seven draws in a row. In every case you could put an own house on City. This game also looks obvious. However, Mancini’s era has just started in great style and I don’t believe they’ll allow an early shock. Odd for Boro's win is based on mutual history that favors Boro, their 8-1 win from May 2008 and definitely has a value. I choose away win and handicap as a gamble.

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Chelsea 2-1 Everton

A stunning Frank Lampard strike ended Everton's resistance and ensured Chelsea's interim boss Guus Hiddink brought the curtain down on his brief spell in English football by collecting the FA Cup.
The Toffees had made a dream start when Louis Saha put them ahead after just 25 seconds - the quickest goal in Cup final history. 
But Chelsea came back strongly and equalised through Didier Drogba's header before Lampard fired home the winner from 25 yards with 18 minutes left. 
The margin of victory should have been greater as TV replays showed that Florent Malouda's spectacular strike moments later had crossed the line after bouncing down off the bar, but referee Howard Webb did not give the goal. 
In the end it made no difference to Chelsea, or Hiddink, who deservedly has a trophy to show for the impressive work he has done at Stamford Bridge as he returns to his job with Russia. 
Victory at a sweltering Wembley brings to an end the Dutchman's brief love affair with the Blues, which began when he watched from the stands as they beat Watford in the fifth round on Valentine's Day. 
And his side again demonstrated the patience and power he has instilled them as they fought back to overhaul a dogged Everton side that took the lead with a terrific early strike.

Chelsea: Cech, Bosingwa, Alex, Terry, Ashley Cole, Essien (Ballack 61), Mikel, Lampard, Anelka, Drogba, Malouda. 
Subs Not Used: Hilario, Ivanovic, Di Santo, Kalou, Belletti, Mancienne. 
Booked: Mikel, Lampard. 
Goals: Drogba 21, Lampard 72. 

Everton: Howard, Hibbert (Jacobsen 46), Yobo, Lescott, Baines, Osman (Gosling 82), Neville, Pienaar, Cahill, Fellaini, Saha (Vaughan 77). 
Subs Not Used: Nash, Castillo, Rodwell, Baxter. 
Booked: Hibbert, Neville, Baines. 
Goals: Saha 1. 

Att: 89,391. 
Ref: Howard Webb (S Yorkshire).
www.bbc.co.uk

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Lille 3 - 2 Nancy

1 - 0 R. Vittek  12. min.
2 - 0 A. Rami  15. min.
2 - 1 A. Ouaddou  42. min.
2 - 2 Y. Hadji  64. min.
3 - 2 N. Plestan  72. min.