GamblersPost Gamblers Post is a dedicated news and networking portal in the online gambling industry which features news, opinions, interviews as well as product and software reviews.
The FA Cup final between Chelsea and Manchester City is set to kick off tomorrow, but the tournament’s enduring appeal continues to defy critics who claim it has lost its magic. Industry experts from Betfair and Midnite have shared insights into why the competition remains a betting powerhouse.
James Mackie, PR Executive at Flutter Entertainment for Betfair, stated that the FA Cup’s value is still highly appreciated, particularly during televised matches. “Yes, the FA Cup’s value is still appreciated by Betfair punters, especially televised matches. We see more engagement around fixtures where there are big cup upsets or matches that go to extra time that grab bettors’ attention.”
During the 2025/26 season, over £170 million was traded on the Betfair exchange, with 38 matches exceeding £1 million in trading volume. Ben Cullen, Head of Risk at Midnite, echoed this sentiment, saying, “No, the FA Cup is still a major competition. In some of the earlier rounds, we have a much larger count of games. It provides a different sort of atmosphere too, with minnows facing up against major English sides looking to make their mark.”
Early favorites included Manchester City at 9/2, followed by Liverpool and Arsenal at 11/2 and 13/2, respectively. Chelsea entered the final at 8/1, while Aston Villa attracted 23% of early betting money despite being priced at 19/1. Their early exit against Newcastle added to the tournament’s unpredictability.
Mismatched fixtures, such as Manchester City vs. Salford and Chelsea vs. Port Vale, drew significant trading volumes. James Mackie explained that these fixtures often attract more money due to shorter prices and speculation on winning margins. For example, Mansfield’s run to the fifth round, including a £5.5 million match against Arsenal, showcased the tournament’s ability to defy expectations.
The standout moment of the season was Macclesfield’s 15/1 victory over Crystal Palace, a giant killing that captivated bettors. Midnite had Macclesfield priced at 7/1 to win the tie and 11/1 to win in the 90th minute. Other notable upsets included Southampton’s elimination of Arsenal and Port Vale’s win over Sunderland.
As the final approaches, Manchester City leads the betting at 4/5, with 71% of trading volume backing them to win their eighth FA Cup. Chelsea, priced at 7/2, remains the underdog. Ben Cullen noted, “It’s very much a favourites game with the punters massively favouring Manchester City.” Meanwhile, Erling Haaland and Cole Palmer are key players to watch, with Haaland’s form in the Premier League and Palmer’s quiet season adding intrigue.
Beyond the final, the Premier League remains a battleground, with Arsenal currently favored to lift the trophy. However, Manchester City’s depth and quality suggest they could challenge until the final whistle.
