FA Cup: Wimbledon vs Gateshead 01/11/2025

Betting on Goals

The FA Cup first round proper kicks off this weekend and it always throws up some interesting ties. The competition may not quite have the glamour of past years but there is still plenty of interest shown. For smaller teams, it can be a chance to go up against some of the big boys, plus vital pay days for the club. Wimbledon will attest to that being one of the biggest underdog winners of this competition way back in 1988 when they shocked Liverpool 1-0. The club went out of existence in the 2000’s but has reformed and climbed back to the third tier of English football. They are in the playoff spots currently and could potentially make a first return to the Championship since 2003. Matty Stevens and Marcus Browne have formed a strong partnership in that league and have 8 goals between them already this season. Gateshead are in the National Conference, one step away from the professional setup. They sit 8th currently and are an outside chance for a first-ever promotion to the Football League this season. They won 3-0 at tiny Aveley to get through qualifying and make this stage of the competition and will have dreams of a big cup run.

The issue with predicting FA Cup matches is that many clubs will rest players, concentrating on league position instead. I cannot see Wimbledon doing that in this one, especially considering their great history in this competition. They should take this highly winnable home match seriously and qualify at ease. Looking at their matches so far, 3 goals a game is a pretty solid bet.