- Visitors form: Anstey Nomads arrive in much better form, winning 3 of their last 5, drawing 1 and losing 1.
- Home form: Gainsborough Trinity have won just 2 of their last 5, losing 2 and drawing 1.
Nomads are in good shape
Playing style
Conrad Logan's Anstey Nomads look well drilled and cohesive, playing with width, controlled build up and a set-piece threat which has helped them get the better of opponents on multiple occasions. The Nomads are the in-form team here and that should be enough to see them win on Saturday.
Gainsborough outlook
These sides have never met before, so it isn't a rivalry game but a true test of each club's cup credentials in 2026. Gainsborough Trinity's form has been a little shaky of late, winning 2 of their last 5, with 1 draw and 2 losses. Russ Wilcox's side are a compact team that presses and pushes for direct play, but they can be dragged into scrapes, as the recent 3-3 draw and penalty shootout defeat to Bury showed.
Cup and away form
That was Nomads' FA Trophy qualifier, having beaten Ilkeston 3-1 away from home in the first round.
- In fact, Nomads have been sharper on the road in all competitions, winning 3 of their 6, drawing 1 and losing 2.
- They've also scored 11 goals in that time, so an away win looks likely, even though Gainsborough come into this game having made a home statement with a 3-0 victory over Leamington in the previous round.
Visitors to edge it
Nomads are the superior side here and while the step between the Northern Premier League Premier Division and the Division One is only one place apart, it matters. Backing the visitors to nick this one at 2.78 seems a good way to secure a fair return.
Trinity are less secure across all competitions, winning just 2 of their 5 home games and scoring 7 goals in those games. Wilcox's team are capable of turning games on a dime, but Nomads' structure and organisation should smother those bursts of intensity and momentum.
