- AFC Fylde have scored seven times in their last five home fixtures across all competitions.
- Atherton Collieries have conceded 15 times in five away fixtures across all competitions.
- Danny Mayor has been AFC Fylde's spark in the final third, scoring two of his side's four goals in the last five games.
It’s all up for the home side
AFC Fylde are 3/25 favourites to claim this FA Cup tie and that's a price that seems fair given their superior class and the fact that the home edge looks like playing a major role in their success. The Coasters have won two and lost three of their last five fixtures, which isn't great, but their 2-0 home win over Scunthorpe United was an immediate response and they should be flying high for this one.
They've won six, drawn one and lost three of their 10 fixtures since 1st July, the day that Craig Mahon took charge of the club. He has a high-tempo, front-foot game plan that involves a lot of counter-pressing and this is the sort of tie his side should be winning. Danny Mayor has been their main spark in recent weeks, the veteran forward has two goals in his last five games and looks like he's hitting the back of the net well at the moment.
Colls will need to be up for it
Atherton Collieries are playing some good football and Daniel Lafferty has his men pressing the ball hard and looking for a possession based identity, particularly in this cup run. They come into this clash on the back of a strong run of form, winning three, drawing one and losing one of their last five, but a 3-0 win over Trafford in the FA Cup Qualification 2026 isn't the sort of performance that suggests they'll be a threat here.
Away from home across all competitions, Colls have won one, drawn one and lost three of five fixtures, which seems to leave a lot to be desired. On paper, this is a perfect David vs Goliath story for the FA Cup, but the bigger side should have enough quality to get over the line.
The Coasters will win the key moments of this game and their ability to get wide and transition quickly should stretch the visitors, while Atherton's patient possession game isn't really suited to the early pressure the hosts will be applying. I'm expecting AFC Fylde to win at home, so that is my main bet.
