Besides a domestic league, almost every European country has its cup. Cup formats generally include different teams from different leagues within one country. One of the most popular ones is, of course, the English FA Cup.
This contest is very old, and many football enthusiasts like to watch it because of the diversity of teams it brings. Not only that, but we also had a chance to see some surprises, making this competition even more interesting. Lots of fans now await the FA Cup 2024/25, many of which wonder about the favourites and underdogs, which I discuss right here.
FA Cup 2024/25 Top Title Contenders
From the beginning, you may have guessed that Man City would be the number-one favourite to win this tournament this season. Considering their power, it’s a bit obvious that the Citizens are the major pretenders to the trophy. This team is also the heaviest English favourite to win the Champions League this season.
The number two hunter looking for the prey (FA Cup trophy) is Arsenal. The Gunners have proven time and again that they know how to play in this tournament. They even won three FA Cups in four years less than a decade ago.
The odds for Liverpool to win the FA Cup are a bit higher than, but not much higher than for Arsenal to do so. So, the eight-time champions, the Reds, are third on the list to win the FA Cup.
The difference between Liverpool and Chelsea’s winning odds is even smaller. Maresca’s men may not be in their top form right now. Still, bookies think that their winning chances are higher compared to teams like Newcastle and Man Utd.
Speaking of which, Newcastle did have a great start in the previous Premier League season. They made some major transfers, but their good games didn’t last. Manchester United even won this contest last season. However, ten Hag’s men are still struggling to find the right form. This may be why bookies place the Red Devils in the sixth spot on the FA Cup favourites’ list.
FA Cup 2024/25 Biggest Underdogs
After the FA Cup extra preliminary round 2024/25, some teams from the lower-tier leagues managed to enter this tournament. The FA Cup dates 2024/25 show that the qualification phase will last until mid-October.
Nevertheless, I checked the odds for the team from the aforementioned leagues, which had already qualified for this competition. So, I can now tell you that Grimsby is the biggest underdog to win the FA Cup this season.
Some other clubs that follow are Carlisle, Leyton Orient, Birmingham, Cardiff, Watford, and others. As many of you know, underdogs can surprise anyone. While this does not happen every season, we all know what the almighty Wigan did in 2013. The same goes for Southampton winning the FA Cup in 1976 as a major underdog.
