- Burton Albion are the clear favourites for this FA Cup 2026-2027 first-round fixture at 11/100.
- AFC Rushden And Diamonds are priced at 73/10 and the draw is also 73/10.
- AFC Rushden And Diamonds have won 4 games in a row and are 4-0-1 in their last 5, including back-to-back FA Cup Qualifying 2026 victories over Morecambe and Braintree Town, both by 2-1 scorelines.
Burton should breeze by AFC on paper
This fixture is a classic cup clash of pro-versus-non-league, with 3rd tier Burton Albion heavy favourites for the win against National League North side AFC Rushden And Diamonds at 11/100.
Gary Bowyer's men are a compact, pragmatic 4-4-2 unit who will look to stay disciplined, win the second balls, transition quickly and punish set pieces when possible.
The Brewers come into this clash having won 3, drawn 3 and lost 4 of their last 10 in all competitions and they've won just 1, drawn 2 and lost 2 of their last 5, so they're not in great form.
However, Burton did beat Leyton Orient 2-1 at Pirelli Stadium before falling to a 2-0 defeat on the road at Wycombe Wanderers last time out, so they should fancy keeping the tie tight on their own patch.
AFC are flying, but will it be enough?
Elliot Sandy's AFC Rushden And Diamonds are an 'organisation-first' underdog who will set up a compact block and look to play at a low-to-mid tempo, whilst keeping their players and game plan simple.
Rushden will look to pinch a goal or two if they can force turnovers and they have been flying in recent weeks, winning 4 straight and going 4-0-1 in their last 5, albeit with both of those wins coming in the FA Cup Qualification 2026.
The Diamonds have won 2 and lost 4 of their 6 away games in all current competitions and they concede an average of 2.83 goals per game on the road, so it's difficult to see how they avoid defeat at Pirelli.
Burton should be in control in this fixture and on paper, it should be a low-scoring scrap, so both teams not to score and under 2.5 goals look like good bets at 13/25 and 159/100, respectively.
