With the Premier League on pause for FA Cup duty, this weekend is all about knockout football. The FA Cup fifth round runs from Friday 6 March through Monday 9 March β eight cracking ties featuring potential giant-killings, heavyweight clashes, and plenty of value for South African punters building weekend accumulators.
Here's your complete breakdown of every fixture, our recommended acca picks, and where to find the best odds from SA bookmakers.
All times are South African Standard Time (SAST / GMT+2):
Liverpool might rotate slightly with the Champions League Round of 16 first leg coming on 10/11 March, but they're still far too strong for Wolves. Arne Slot's men have been ruthless this season and even a second-string Liverpool XI should have enough quality.
Our pick: Liverpool to win & both teams to score β this adds value versus a straight Liverpool win. Wolves have been dangerous at home despite their league struggles.
For your acca: Liverpool to qualify β
The classic FA Cup romance fixture. League One Mansfield have been outstanding, knocking out Sheffield United and Burnley on the road. But Arsenal are a different beast entirely β top of the Premier League and hunting a quadruple.
Mikel Arteta might rest a couple of starters, but Arsenal's squad depth is immense. Mansfield will make it loud and hostile at Field Mill, but the quality gap is massive.
Our pick: Arsenal to win & over 2.5 goals. Mansfield will come out swinging, leaving space for Arsenal's attackers.
For your acca: Arsenal to win β
Another Hollywood-meets-football FA Cup tie. Wrexham's rise through the leagues has been incredible, and they'll fancy their chances at the Racecourse Ground under the lights. But Chelsea have been impressive under Enzo Maresca and won't take this lightly.
This is the potential banana skin of the round. Wrexham play with incredible intensity at home, their fans create a hostile atmosphere, and cup upsets happen on exactly these kinds of evenings.
Our pick: Chelsea to win, but consider Chelsea to win & both teams to score for better odds. Wrexham will have at least one good chance.
For your acca: Chelsea to win (with caution) β οΈ
The tie of the round. Newcastle hosting Man City at St James' Park is a proper heavyweight clash. City demolished Newcastle 5-1 on aggregate in the Carabao Cup semis, but the FA Cup is a different beast.
Newcastle will be fired up for revenge. Eddie Howe's side have the talent to hurt anyone at home, and City's defence has been suspect at times this season. This is genuinely too close to call.
Our pick: Both teams to score β the safest bet in a match where either side could progress. Over 2.5 goals is also strong value here.
For your acca: Both teams to score β
Fulham should have too much for Championship Southampton. Marco Silva's side have been solid at Craven Cottage and the home advantage matters. Southampton might try to sit deep and counter, but Fulham's quality in the final third should tell.
Our pick: Fulham to win. Straightforward β they're the better side and at home.
For your acca: Fulham to win β
Both teams from opposite ends of their respective leagues, but in the FA Cup form goes out the window. Leeds are back in the Premier League and will be strong favourites at Elland Road against Championship Norwich.
Our pick: Leeds to win β they've got the quality edge and the home advantage.
For your acca: Leeds to win β
Two Premier League sides going head-to-head at the London Stadium. West Ham have been inconsistent but tend to rise to the occasion in cup competitions. Brentford are always dangerous with Ivan Toney (if still at the club) and their set-piece threat.
Our pick: Both teams to score. London derbies in the cup are always feisty and open.
For your acca: Both teams to score β
Three strong favourites with home/quality advantages. Estimated combined odds: ~3.50. A R100 bet returns roughly R350.
More risk, more reward. Estimated combined odds: ~12.00. A R100 bet returns roughly R1,200. The Chelsea selection adds the most risk.
FA Cup matches tend to be more open than league games. Estimated combined odds: ~8.00. A R100 bet returns roughly R800.
All the major South African bookmakers cover FA Cup fixtures. Here's where to find the best value this weekend:
Always compare odds across bookmakers before placing your accumulator β even small differences per leg compound across a multi-bet. Use our accumulator calculator to work out potential returns.
Calculate Your Accumulator Returns
Plug in your selections and see exactly what your weekend acca could pay out.
Open Accumulator Calculator βWhile the FA Cup dominates, keep these on your radar:
A few tips specifically for FA Cup accumulators:
Need help understanding accumulator mechanics? Read our complete accumulator betting guide for South African punters.
This FA Cup fifth round weekend offers brilliant betting opportunities. The safe money is on Liverpool, Arsenal, and Fulham progressing, but the real value lies in the goals markets β particularly around Newcastle vs Man City and the lower-league underdogs having a go at home.
Build your acca, run it through our calculator, compare odds across SA bookmakers, and enjoy the weekend's football. Remember: bet responsibly, never wager more than you can afford to lose, and have fun with it.
Good luck this weekend, boet! π
