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(AsiaGameHub) –   The FA Cup final between Chelsea FC and Manchester City takes place tomorrow at 3pm UK time, marking the conclusion of another edition of the world’s oldest football competition—complete with its trademark giant-killing upsets.

However, discussions surrounding the FA Cup aren’t always glowing; a quick scan of UK media and social platforms often reveals sentiments that the tournament “doesn’t feel the same” or has “lost its magic,” among similar remarks.

In an FA Cup-themed edition of SBC News’ Bookies Corner, we explored whether UK bookmakers share this view. According to James Mackie, PR Executive at Flutter Entertainment representing Betfair, and Ben Cullen, Head of Risk at Midnite, the answer is decidedly no…

Bookies Corner: The FA Cup is the world’s oldest football tournament—but do bettors still value it?

James Mackie: Absolutely. Betfair punters continue to appreciate the FA Cup’s appeal, particularly in televised matches. We observe heightened engagement during fixtures featuring major cup upsets or games that go into extra time—moments that really capture bettors’ interest.

Throughout the 2025/26 FA Cup, over £170 million was traded on the Betfair exchange, with 38 matches each surpassing £1 million in turnover.

How do FA Cup weekends compare to Premier League weekends in terms of betting activity—do you notice a noticeable dip in engagement during the tournament?

Ben Cullen: Not at all. The FA Cup remains a significant event. In earlier rounds, there are often far more matches scheduled, creating a distinct atmosphere—especially when lower-league minnows face top-tier English clubs eager to make their mark, as we’ve seen several times this season. Who doesn’t enjoy a classic cup upset?

Looking back at this year’s tournament, which teams were the punters’ early favourites, and did any underdogs attract early attention?

James Mackie: In the 2025/26 FA Cup betting markets, Manchester City started as early favourites at 9/2—hardly surprising given their record of winning two of the last seven finals and reaching the last two showpieces. Liverpool and Arsenal followed closely at 11/2 and 13/2 respectively, with Chelsea next at 8/1.

Interestingly, Aston Villa accounted for 23% of early-stage stakes despite being priced around 19/1. They were eliminated in the fourth round by Newcastle at home.

Do fixtures between vastly mismatched teams—such as a Premier League side versus a National League club—present challenges in terms of trading and odds setting?

Ben Cullen: Not inherently. That said, when there’s a huge gap in quality, team news and squad rotation become critical factors requiring close monitoring. If the stronger team fields a heavily rotated or inexperienced lineup, it can trigger sharp odds movements shortly before kick-off—demanding a swift response.

Do matches pitting smaller clubs against Premier League giants tend to draw particular interest from bettors?

James Mackie: Generally, yes. Clashes between underdogs and English football heavyweights generate strong interest, and shorter odds often draw larger volumes of money—especially on winning margin markets. For instance, Manchester City vs Salford and Chelsea vs Port Vale each saw around £2.8 million traded, even though the home sides were overwhelming favourites (City at 1/20, Chelsea at 1/12)—and both won as expected.

Mansfield, after pulling off a giant-killing win over Burnley in the fourth round, faced Arsenal in a much closer contest than anticipated and generated £5.5 million in turnover.

We often celebrate the “magic of the FA Cup.” Which giant killings or underdog performances stood out most for your trading teams this season?

James Mackie: Macclesfield’s victory over Crystal Palace was the standout upset of the tournament and produced the biggest pre-match price winner of the season in the competition, with Macclesfield starting at 15/1.

Wrexham vs Chelsea attracted nearly £7 million in trading and ranked as the fourth-highest turnover match of the competition, even though the Welsh side ultimately fell short of an upset.

Ben Cullen: It’s hard to top Macclesfield eliminating Crystal Palace, given they were 117 places below them in the league pyramid. Midnite offered 7/1 on Macclesfield to win the tie and 11/1 for a 90th-minute victory. We also witnessed Southampton oust Arsenal, Port Vale defeat Sunderland, and Mansfield overcome Burnley.

What’s the current betting sentiment ahead of the final—are punters backing favourites Manchester City or underdogs Chelsea?

James Mackie: So far, 71% of the total volume has been placed on Manchester City, who are currently priced at 4/5 to claim their eighth FA Cup title—implying a 56% chance of victory.

Chelsea, aiming for their ninth FA Cup, are the underdogs at 7/2, equating to a 22% implied probability.

Ben Cullen: The market is firmly behind the favourites, with punters overwhelmingly supporting Manchester City. Guardiola appears fully committed to securing silverware, resting Haaland for a full 90 minutes against Crystal Palace—leaving Chelsea with a tough task ahead.

What about individual player markets? Are there specific players bettors expect to shine this weekend?

Ben Cullen: All eyes will be on Erling Haaland, who has scored 26 Premier League goals and found the net three times in three FA Cup appearances. It will require an exceptional defensive effort to contain him. Meanwhile, Chelsea will be counting on Cole Palmer to produce something special, though he’s been relatively quiet this season with just 10 goal contributions in 24 league appearances.

Once the FA Cup concludes, attention will return to the Premier League. With the title race shaping up to go down to the wire, who do you expect to lift the trophy in May?

Ben Cullen: The odds strongly favour Arsenal. With The Gunners set to face already-relegated Burnley and a Crystal Palace side distracted by European commitments, it’s difficult to see them slipping up—though they have faltered under pressure in the past. Manchester City, however, will undoubtedly push them all the way, given their depth and quality.