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Sheppey United meet Walsall at Holm Park in the opening match of the First Round in 2023-24 FA Cup.
Victory will see Sheppey Utd extend their longest-ever FA Cup run for a further round, whilst Walsall are seeking to avoid a shock First Round exit for the first time since 2020-21 season.
Team News
Daniel Bradshaw is Sheppey United’s only injury concern after he missed their last three matches with a back injury.
Walsall could hand Priestley Farquharson (foot) and Freddier Draper (knock) late fitness tests ahead of the match.
Aramide Oteh (hamstring), Harry Williams (ankle) are ruled out.
When is Kick-Off?
Sheppey United face Walsall at Holm Park in a 7:45pm GMT kick-off on Friday 3 November, live on ITV4 in the UK.
Stat Attack
- This is Sheppey United’s first-ever meeting against Walsall in all competitions.
- Walsall are visiting Sheppey United for the very first time in their history, which also marks their maiden visit to Holm Park in all competitions.
- Sheppey Utd are facing fourth-tier opposition for the very first time in this competition.
- Walsall are unbeaten in six of their last eight FA Cup ties against Non-League opposition (W3, D3, L2).
Prediction
Despite taking just one win and two defeats since beating Billericay, Sheppey certainly are a serious goalscoring team to not underestimate in 16 of 17 matches this season across all competitions, yet their defence isn’t exactly sturdy which will need to be pitch perfect here.
Walsall meanwhile aren’t exactly fast-starters with their own defensive issues but as the match wears on, their superior fitness should come to the fore but they realistically need to avoid finding themselves with a two-goal deficit by the hour mark.
Do that then I expect them to go on and get the win otherwise it will be a draw at best, unless Sheppey’s home crowd can make Holm Park feel like a daunting fortress and the team can net early.
Prediction: Sheppey 1-2 Walsall
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