- In the last five games, Gateshead have won 0, drawn 1, lost 4.
- Gateshead have won 0, drawn 0, and lost 5 away games in all competitions.
Rangers' directness and set-piece threat should see them through
Stafford Rangers will be pleased with the 1-1 draw that they nicked at The Heed in the qualifying round of the FA Cup, keeping the tension high ahead of Tuesday's replay.
Gateshead haven't exactly had a good year, so the fact that Stafford could hold them to a draw was no fluke. The Heed are winless in 10 in all competitions (D2, L8) and they are yet to get a win away from home (W0, D0, L5).
Rangers have had a mixed run in the same period, winning four, drawing two and losing four of their previous ten matches, but it is clear that they have an edge in terms of momentum and home advantage.
A tough night on the road
The Heed's last two games have been better than their previous efforts, namely a 1-1 draw with Stafford yesterday in the same competition.
They play a 4-2-3-1 system and like to keep the ball on the ground, building from the back and using their numerical superiority in the middle to overload the half-spaces. It's a patient game that requires a lot of possession, and that can be difficult to pull off away from home.
Stafford, on the other hand, will come on the front foot, hit the wingers early, look to whip in crosses and long throws, and press the hosts into errors. They are a physically strong side that can make life pretty unpleasant for opponents in a cup tie, especially when the crowd is up for it.
Stafford the value pick at home
At 36/25, Stafford Rangers look the value selection for the home win in this one. Gateshead are simply in a terrible rut and they are travelling to a side who will take the game to them.
Stafford have won one, drawn one, and lost one of their three home fixtures across all competitions, so they are used to competing on their own patch.
BTTS - No at 29/20 looks like a decent fit for a script where the home side nick it and the visitors don't have enough to hurt their hosts.
Gateshead have scored 0.40 goals per-game away from home, conceding 3.00 in the same matches, and Stafford can punish that lack of forward power.
