FA Cup preview: Part 2

The 1st round of the FA Cup is upon us and this year’s first round draw has come up with some mouth-watering clashes. We preview seven of the big clashes (across two parts) whilst giving our score predictions for the other 26 matches between Football League teams.

Rotherham v Bradford (Saturday) – This match has all the ingredients to be a great cup tie. Both teams have made terrific starts to the season, after winning promotion into League 1 last season. However they have both struggled in recent weeks so they will be hoping to turn their form around by progressing to the 2nd round. Bradford know what is required to have a successful cup run, after their Capital One Cup heroics last season, but Rotherham did the double over the Bantams last season and will be confident that their home advantage will help them to secure victory. Score prediction: 0-1

www.bradfordcityfc.co.uk
www.bradfordcityfc.co.uk

Torquay v Rochdale (Saturday) – These two teams have shared vastly mixed fortunes so far this season. Torquay sit 21st in League 2 and have had a fairly miserable season so far having only picked up three wins. On the other hand, Rochdale have made a wonderful start, winning eight games and drawing five. However, despite their respective League positions, Rochdale have lost their last two games whereas Torquay have picked up four points from six, so Torquay have the upper hand in terms of current form and they will see this match as an ideal opportunity to kick-start their season. Score prediction: 2-1

Walsall v Shrewsbury (Saturday) – This clash is perhaps ‘the one that got away’ for the likes of Sky, ITV and BT Sport. Easily one of the ties of the round, the rivalry between the two clubs is due to the frequent clashes in the 1970’s and 1980’s. Walsall have enjoyed a fairly good start to the season and are playing good football under manager Dean Smith, despite losing some key players over the summer. Meanwhile, Shrewsbury have made a slower start to the season but currently sit in a respectable 15th place and confidence will be high following their 2-0 win over Sheffield United last weekend. Score prediction: 2-0

www.saddlers.co.uk
www.saddlers.co.uk

Saturday (continued)

Hednesford Town v Crawley: 0-3

Leyton Orient v Southport: 4-1

Lincoln City v Plymouth: 1-0

Macclesfield v Swindon: 1-2

Oxford United v Gateshead: 2-0

Preston v Barnet: 2-1

St Albans City v Mansfield: 0-2

Stevenage v Portsmouth: 1-1

Tamworth v Cheltenham: 0-2

Wycombe v Crewe: 1-1

Sunday

Bishops Stortford v Northampton: 1-1

Burton v Hereford: 2-1

Monday

Shortwood United v Port Vale: 0-3

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