- Team form: Halesowen are the form team, with 6 wins, 1 draw and 3 defeats from their last 10 games in all competitions.
- Opposition form: Stafford have been more inconsistent, with 4 wins, 1 draw and 5 defeats from their last 10 in all competitions.
A cracking cup clash in prospect
Halesowen are the team in better form heading into this one, having beaten Rushall Olympic 1-0 in the Southern League Premier Division Central on Saturday, while Stafford followed up their 3-0 away win over Kidsgrove Athletic in FA Trophy Qualification with a heavy 4-0 away defeat to Gloucester City FC in the same competition.
The Yeltz are playing well and have a home advantage this time around, so it seems they should be the likelier winners and I will take them to do so at 1.74. However, the 1-1 draw at Stafford in FA Cup Qualification shows this tie has a close feel about it and the 1.63 odds on Over 2.5 goals look too good to ignore.
Stafford are the more direct side
Betting stance
Backing both teams to score in this FA Cup tie could be profitable, but I'm going to pass on that 2.25 option and take Both Teams to Score – No in the same market, as the odd of 2.25 on this selection suggests one side will be shut out and Halesowen are more likely to be the one keeping the clean sheet.
Tactical battle
Halesowen like to play on the flanks and should create plenty of territory and cutback chances in this one, but Stafford are a more direct and physical side who will try to create chaos on the second ball. It's a nice style clash that could lead to plenty of chances at both ends of the field.
Form and players
- Stafford have conceded 13 goals in their 6 away fixtures in all competitions, which doesn't bode well for them in a pressurised cup game.
- Halesowen have been tight defensively at home, conceding just four goals in six fixtures for a 0.67 goals-against average.
- Kacy Butterfield is worth a wager on the anytime goalscorer market after two in five for Halesowen, who have scored five in their last five.
