FA Cup Tips & Predictions
THE Emirates FA Cup Second Round Proper is approaching so aspiring teams are merely one hurdle away from pitting their wits against Premier League big boys.
A sprinkling of Non-League sides are still very much involved hoping to upset FA Cup odds by pulling off giantkilling results over League 1 and League 2 opposition.
Accordingly, some interesting stats have been unearthed via FA Cup Factfile. Here are the matches I am looking forward to most across the coming days alongside my considered score predictions to assist your live betting…
FRIDAY 29th NOVEMBER 2024
Harrogate Town v Gainsborough Trinity
(7.45pm kick-off, live on BBC Two)
Rankings: League Two versus Northern Premier League Premier Division
Pointers: Harrogate Town are mid-table yet remain in touching distance of the League Two Play-Off zone. They’ve only reached the FA Cup Third Round once which was in 2021/22 subsequently bowing out 4-0 at Luton Town.
Gainsborough Trinity participate in the FA Cup Second Round for the first time since 1952/53 when they surrendered 2-1 away to Newport County. Incidentally, Trinity were members of the Football League from 1896 until 1912.
Score prediction: Trinity terrific 4-3.
SATURDAY 30th NOVEMBER 2024
AFC Wimbledon v Dagenham & Redbridge
(7.15pm kick-off, live on ITVX)
Rankings: League Two versus National League
Pointers: I was present at Wembley Stadium to witness the original Wimbledon FC lifting the FA Cup against favourites Liverpool on 14th May 1988. Lawrie Sanchez gave the Dons a shock first half lead with a looping header but they conceded a spot kick on 60 minutes.
John Aldridge had been tripped and dusted himself down to take the penalty. However, goalkeeper Dave Beasant dived full length to his left clawing the ball away. Wimbledon held on for a momentous 1-0 victory. BBC1 commentator John Motson succinctly summed up the drama at full-time by saying: “The Crazy Gang have beaten the Culture Club!”
Dagenham & Redbridge are mid-table in the National League. I recall their best ever FA Cup run in 2002/03 attaining the Fourth Round before losing 1-0 at Norwich City.
Score prediction: Daggers destroyers 3-2.
Wealdstone v Wycombe Wanderers
(11.30am kick-off, live on ITV1)
Rankings: National League versus League One
Pointers: It is 41 years since Wealdstone last graced the FA Cup Second Round. They had a fantastic 1-0 success at Grimsby Town at the previous stage this season courtesy of Alex Reid’s 90th minute strike.
League One leaders Wycombe Wanderers enjoyed their greatest FA Cup campaign in 2000/01 battling all the way to the Semi-Finals where they succumbed 2-1 to eventual winners Liverpool in front of 40,037 spectators at Villa Park.
Score prediction: Wealdstone edge it 1-0.
SUNDAY 1st DECEMBER 2024
Blackpool v Birmingham City
(1pm kick-off)
Rankings: League One versus League One
Pointers: The much-recalled 1953 FA Cup Final was known as the “Matthews Final”. Inspired by legendary wing wizard Stanley Matthews, Blackpool defeated Bolton Wanderers 4-3 at Wembley Stadium.
Currently recovering after relegation, Birmingham City are making a strong assault back towards Championship status. Credit goes to former Tottenham Hotspur senior assistant coach Chris Davies who was unveiled as Birmingham’s new boss in June.
The signing of Fulham’s Jay Stansfield on 30th August was worth up to £15 million thereby shattering the League One transfer record fee. Retrospectively, Blues were FA Cup runners-up in 1930/31 and 1955/56.
Score prediction: Seaside stroll for Birmingham 3-0.
Solihull Moors v Bromley
(3.15 pm kick-off, live on ITV1)
Rankings: National League versus League Two
Pointers: Pushing towards the National League Play-Off discussions, Solihull Moors have never progressed beyond this round in the FA Cup.
Despite now being an EFL club, Bromley FC are in the FA Cup Second Round for first time in 79 years.
Score prediction: Moors magnificent 2-0.
Kettering Town v Doncaster Rovers
(12noon kick-off, live on BBC Two)
Rankings: Southern League Premier Central versus League Two
Pointers: Kettering were superb giantkilling headline makers in the FA Cup First Round triumphing 2-1 at local rivals Northampton Town. The former Newcastle United striker Nile Ranger scored their sensational winner in extra time.
Kettering have only lost twice in Southern League action all season sitting top of the table. Historically, they are the all-time FA Cup leading scorers on 922 goals. Extra uncovered seating has been installed at Latimer Park for Sunday’s massive game.
Hovering amongst the League Two promotion contenders, Doncaster Rovers have never gone past the Fifth Round in FA Cup endeavours.
Score prediction: Kettering kings 2-1.
Free FA Cup Predictions Today
The FA Cup is the oldest and most prestigious competition in world football, with millions of fans around the world tuning in each year to see which team lifts the famous trophy.
Punters can find the latest FA Cup betting odds ahead of each round here at 888sport – and the outright winner market will change drastically throughout the tournament.
One of the main reasons for that is due to the uncertainty of the FA Cup draw. As is the case with all cup competitions, the draw has a major impact on results.
From the best FA Cup facts to the competition's greatest moments, this tournament has a unique affinity with football supporters across the land. While greater emphasis is now placed on Europe, the FA Cup remains one of the top targets for the biggest clubs in England.
FA Cup Betting Tips
The ‘David vs Goliath’ nature of the FA Cup is what grips viewers and we’ve seen many ‘cupsets’ over the years, none bigger than Hereford United’s victory over Newcastle United in 1972.
FA Cup predictions can be made at any stage of the season, with the general outlook of the competition changing with each round and FA Cup result.
Find the latest FA Cup draw, fixtures and results information on the 888sport website ahead of each round. Every match is vital in the race to reach Wembley Stadium.
The FA Cup is one of the competitions that every supporter wants to win. While the magic of the cup has waned in recent times, it is still important to football fans across the country.
FA Cup Round Predictions
Punters can find the best FA Cup betting tips and odds here at 888sport throughout the competition. Who will be celebrating at Wembley Stadium in May? Only time will tell...
Our football betting experts are here with the best FA Cup tips for today. With the likes of Manchester United, Liverpool and Arsenal prominent in FA Cup betting, the top Premier League clubs are in the mix for success.
While the FA Cup can throw up the odd sports betting shock, FA Cup predictions are often more straightforward than Premier League predictions. Find the best free FA Cup tips here today.
*Credit for the main photo belongs to Alamy*
*Odds correct at the time of writing - subject to change*
