Prediction and odds for the game: Derby (11/2) v Manchester United (1/2)
When: Thursday 05th March 2020, Kick-off 7:45 PM
Where: Pride Park
On Thursday night, Championship Derby County host Manchester United at Pride Park in the fifth round of the FA Cup.
Derby County
The Rams are currently midtable in the Championship table after an inconsistent run of form. The team from the Midlands have won just once in their last five games in all competitions.
Philipp Cocu’s team ended a four-game winless run last time out by recording a 3-1 victory at Sheffield Wednesday last time out. The result means that both teams have scored in Derby’s last seven matches in all competitions.
The home side have eliminated Crystal Palace and Northampton already this season. However, the Rams needed a replay to see off the latter in the last round.
Derby have a relatively poor recent record in the FA Cup, having won just three of their last ten matches over 90 minutes in the competition.
The home team are unbeaten in three games on home soil in the FA Cup. However, they have also won just once in their last five cup games at Pride Park. The team from the Midlands have conceded at least two goals in their last five home matches on their own patch.
Manchester United
The Red Devils head into this game unbeaten in eight matches in all competitions, having recorded five wins and three draws. Last time out they were involved in a controversial 1-1 draw at Everton, with the home team seeing a stoppage-time goal ruled out by VAR.
The game was another low-scoring encounter for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer side, as eight of their last 11 matches have produced under 2.5 goals.
Manchester United have beaten Wolves and Tranmere to set up this meeting. However, Solskjaer’s team needed a replay to get past fellow Premier League outfit Wolves. The Red Devils made easier work of League One Tranmere, recording a 6-0 win at Prenton Park.
United have a decent recent record in the FA Cup winning four of their last six matches in the competition, having suffered just one defeat in the process.
However, the visitors have a mixed recent away record in the FA Cup, as they have won three, lost two and drawn one of their last six matches on their travels.
Conclusion
With seemingly very little to play for in the Championship, Derby can put all their energy into this clash, rather than resting players Cocu can field a full-strength line-up. United boss Solskjaer is likely to name a strong line-up and we are backing the visitors to record a victory. We are also backing the over 2.5 goals scored at odds of 4/6.
Verdict: We are backing the away win at odds of 1/2 and/or the over 2.5 goals scored at odds of 4/6. (All odds are taken from Bet365).
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