FA Cup Tips: Betting Predictions & Odds For First Round Fixtures
FA Cup Round One Predictions:
- Peterborough to beat Salford - 1/2 with William Hill
- Stevenage to beat Tranmere - 8/13 with 888sport
- Blackpool to beat Bromley - Evens with Ladbrokes
The world's oldest national football competition returns this weekend, with Manchester City aiming to retain their FA Cup title following their victory over arch-rivals Manchester United in the 2023 final.
Kicking off on Friday evening, the 143rd edition of the competition will see a multitude of teams in action during the first round fixtures and we have waded through betting sites to find the most valuable picks.
This weekend boasts a total of 40 matches, featuring a combination of 32 non-league teams that have advanced through the preliminary rounds and 48 teams from League One and Two.
If you choose to follow our recommendations, you'll discover odds of approximately 4/1 offered by various bookmakers.
Posh’s Class Could Shine Through
Peterborough have shown impressive form at Weston Homes Stadium this season, with just one loss in front of their home fans, making them the clear favourite with betting apps.
However, their attention this weekend turns to the FA Cup, as they look to secure qualification for the second round, a feat they've achieved for a remarkable 18th consecutive season.
Interestingly, this is a repeat of last season's round one fixture in the FA Cup. In the previous encounter, Peterborough advanced by defeating Salford 3-0 at Peninsula Stadium after a stalemate in the first meeting.
It was a rocky start in the league for Darren Ferguson, with Posh losing three of their opening six games. However, their recent performances has propelled them to fourth position, firmly placing them in the mix of promotion contenders.
On the other hand, Salford began pre-season as one of the favourites for promotion from the fourth tier, but with the likes of Notts County and Wrexham entering the league, they have found it difficult to mount the table.
Consequently, Neil Wood and his side occupy 13th position, but are by no means out of the picture when it comes to the play-off race.
The worry for the Greater Manchester club is that with their smaller squad and the demanding League Two fixture list, a cup run could hinder their ambitions of escaping the fourth tier.
Therefore, we anticipate Peterborough to field a stronger line-up than the visitors as they will be determined to avoid a 'Cupset' at the hands of their League Two opponents.
Super Stevenage May Continue Bright Start
Stevenage fans are undoubtedly thrilled with their team's current performances after securing promotion from League Two last season.
They find themselves back in the third tier for the first time in a decade, and it's been an impressive start.
Under the watchful eye of Steve Evans, Stevenage have achieved a number notable victories already, including wins over Derby and Wigan. As a result, they currently occupy a play-off spot after 16 games.
Having progressed beyond the first round in the past three seasons, football betting sites are confident that Stevenage will be able to add their name to the hat for round two, when they host Tranmere on Saturday.
Things aren't so positive for Nigel Adkins at Tranmere. It’s been a tough few years for the Superwhites, who find themselves in the relegation zone, with the looming threat of playing National League football next season becoming a real possibility.
The Rovers have struggled to make an impact in the FA Cup in recent times. They suffered a 2-1 defeat to Carlisle in round one last season and defeat here would only add to the Wirral side’s woes.
While an upset victory against Stevenage could potentially inject some much-needed energy into their league campaign, it’s difficult to envisage, given their run of four consecutive league defeats coming into this tie.
Seasiders Can Inflict A Humbling
Bromley are in pursuit of a place in the second round of the FA Cup for the first time in 78 years, and a home draw against Blackpool, live on BBC Two, presents the opportunity.
The National League side have made an excellent start to their league campaign and currently sit third. However, it's worth noting that two of their three losses came against the teams above them.
This statistic played a crucial role in this week's FA Cup predictions, as Bromley have shown difficulties in breaking down teams considered to be of superior quality, with their pair of 2-0 defeats to Barnet and Chesterfield serving as evidence.
Blackpool, who compete in League One, are positioned 43 places above Bromley in the football pyramid and are determined to snuff out any possibility of an upset.
The Seasiders were in action against local rivals Fleetwood on Wednesday, and the quick turnaround of just three days to travel down to the capital for the FA Cup clash is an aspect that could be exploited by Andy Woodman and Bromley.
Blackpool have made a promising start to the season themselves and are on the well within the hunt for a play-off spot.
They should have the depth and quality to rotate their squad in this contest, while still having enough on the pitch to secure a place in the second round.
If Jordan Rhodes gets the nod upfront from Neil Critchley, we expect the experienced talisman to add to his nine goals in the league, with his recent acquisition seemingly being worth its weight in gold.
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