- Stafford Rangers have won five of their last ten games in all competitions. Gateshead have won none.
- The home side have conceded 11 goals across their last five games at home, an average of 2.20 goals per game.
- Stafford Rangers have taken three wins, one draw and one defeat from their last five in all competitions.
Boro are on a roll
Gateshead go into their FA Cup tie in no mood for a cup upset after a run of five straight defeats. Stafford Rangers have more momentum and come into this one in much better nick than the home team. They are 106/25 to win, and the away side must be the preferred bet here, particularly with Gateshead in freefall.
The Heed have played some great football at times under Ben Clark, who remains in caretaker charge. However, he is trying to paper over the cracks in the club at the moment, and there's been too much turmoil and change for his side to be a settled unit.
They are a brittle side and have conceded far too many goals in the second half. They look a little better in the first half, but have failed to sustain any momentum in the games. Gateshead have looked a little short of confidence and lack control and stability at the back, with the recent results suggesting that they are going downhill fast.
Heed have been falling fast
The two most recent results have been especially poor. Gateshead lost 1-2 at home to Worthing FC, before a 4-1 defeat at Halifax Town. Stafford Rangers are the side who have kept their cup momentum going with a 1-1 draw at home to Halesowen Town, before edging out a 2-1 victory on the road in FA Cup Qualification 2026.
Graham Deakin has got Stafford Rangers playing with a clear attacking plan. They are organised and will shut up shop when they need to, but the Boro have also got a bit of a swagger about them and have plenty of bite up front. They are an attack-minded side and they play it forward.
The away team have got enough bite to nick it on the road, and I fancy them to keep the hosts quiet on Saturday. Both Teams to Score - No is 123/100, but with a bit more faith in Stafford, I'm backing over 2.5 goals in this one. There may well be a low-scoring shutout for Gateshead, but there should be enough in this cup tie for the over 2.5 goals market to come through at 41/100.
