- Cheltenham are on a three-match winning streak at home (5W, 1L).
- Halifax have only lost one of their last four away from home (W2, D1, L1) and have scored six goals.
- Cheltenham have conceded 18 goals in six home games across all competitions, but have won five and lost one.
Robins will be a handful for the Shaymen
Cheltenham Town are the slight favourites here at 37/50 with Halifax Town 303/100 and the draw 61/20. The Robins are playing well enough at home to justify their status as favourites, but we will swerve the match result markets and just take on the goals markets here.
Steve Cotterill's men are a well-drilled outfit, who press in waves and like to stretch the play with their wing-backs. They've been a bit hot and cold recently with three wins and two defeats in their last five, but that includes a 1-0 home win over Newport County and a 3-1 away loss to Tranmere Rovers. Freddy Willcox has given them a bit of a sharp edge, scoring two of Cheltenham's six goals in the last five games.
Cheltenham's form across all competitions is a better indication of how they've been playing, with five wins, one draw and four defeats in their last ten. This record is streaky, but good enough to keep them in the shake-up in England's third tier.
Halifax, on the other hand, have been much more consistent with three wins, one draw and one defeat in their last five. They beat Yeovil Town 2-0 at home on Tuesday, following up a 2-2 draw at Southend United with a 3-2 home defeat to Barrow the previous Saturday. John McGrath sets up his team to play a possession-based game, but they're lightning quick in transition and can hurt you if you allow them to play on the break.
Goals are the play at The Completely-Suzuki Stadium
This fixture should bring a clash of styles that can make for a lively cup tie. Cheltenham are a structure-first, pragmatic side who like to press and have the pace to hurt you, while Halifax are possession-based and can go from end to end with lightning speed.
Halifax are away from home with 2 wins, 1 draw and 1 defeat and can travel to Cheltenham with confidence. The Robins have been good at home with five wins and one defeat from six, but have conceded 18 times, which suggests the visitors will find a way to get into the game.
The odds on the game are a little skewed towards a Cheltenham win, which they certainly should do, but there's better value to be had in the goals. Over 2.5 goals at 11/20 and both teams to score: Yes at 53/100 will be our selections for Saturday's game.
