- Main selection: The main selection for this game is AFC Fylde to win at 1.12.
- Reason: The main reason for this is Atherton's leaky away record, but Fylde have the form and quality to justify the win.
- Away concerns: Colls have conceded 15 goals in their 5 away games across all competitions this season, which should be a concern.
Colls may be able to hold Fylde, but not for 90 minutes
Manager and style
Craig Mahon has certainly made an impact on AFC Fylde since he took over on 1 July 2025, installing a high-tempo, front-foot style with aggressive counter-pressing.
Form and key players
- The Coasters are in mixed form, having won two and lost three of their last five matches, but the 2-0 home win over Scunthorpe United was a sharp response.
- Danny Mayor has provided the spark for the Coasters, scoring two of Fylde's four goals in their last five games and looking like he is finding his groove in front of goal at the moment.
- AFC Fylde have won six, drawn one and lost three of their last ten games across all competitions, a run which should see them see out this one against a much smaller club.
Atherton Collieries have been solid, but have a leaky away form
Atherton have been in great form this season, winning three, drawing one and losing one of their last five in all competitions, including a 3-0 win over Trafford in FA Cup Qualification 2026. Daniel Lafferty has also developed an identity for Colls, who play with the ball a lot and use a pressing game when they are not in possession, particularly in this cup run.
Colls have won four, drawn one and lost five of their last 10 across all competitions, a record which underlines their role as the underdog in this game. Atherton's away form is of particular concern, as they have won just one, drawn once and lost three of their five away games in all competitions, a return which will surely see them fall short against a higher-tier side.
At home, Fylde have won two, drawn once and lost two of their previous five in all competitions, so they are not unbeatable on their own patch but they should be able to control the key moments in this encounter. There is a real David vs Goliath feel to this matchup, but the bigger side should have the quality to get through and that is what we are betting on.
