- Team form: Trafford have won three and lost two of their last five matches in all competitions.
- Away form: Atherton Collieries have won two and lost three of their five away matches in all competitions.
The North are on the up
Trafford have played only one home match in all competitions this season and have not won it, so they have some things to prove to the home fans on Saturday. The North have, however, won their last two games and those back-to-back cup wins should be enough to get them over the line in this one.
Trafford have been a pretty efficient team going forward of late, getting enough chances to win their two cup matches thus far. A pragmatic team that can play several styles, Trafford have caused damage with direct runs from midfield, wide play and set-pieces in recent weeks.
Atherton Collieries have had a mixed bag of a season, winning four and losing six of their ten games in all competitions. They have, however, responded well to a 4-1 defeat away to Congleton Town in FA Trophy Qualification 2026, winning 3-2 away to Northwich Victoria and 2-0 at home to Prescot Cables in the FA Cup Qualification 2026.
- The 2-1 win at Heaton Stannington was a case of nicking it, but they showed their superior quality in the 3-1 win away at Bamber Bridge in FA Cup Qualification 2026.
Sides are stylistically different
Playing styles:
Colls play a front-foot, possession-based game, getting their wings involved and piling pressure on the opponents to get them to make mistakes. The stylistic difference between the teams could lead to a very competitive cup game, but if Atherton overcommit, Trafford's more direct game could be the sharper weapon.
Match outlook:
Atherton are on a two-game winning run, so the Colls won't be short of confidence for this clash, but Trafford are the team with the home advantage and have been on the up of late. We think they will nick it on Saturday and will take the odds for a home win at 2.06.
