The English FA Cup is extensively advertised as one of the most intriguing football matches among English clubs. Known also as the giant killer, it is the oldest national football league in the world. With an open format, any English club could participate and try their luck, which unifies the English football glory. The Carabao Cup presents a holistic national tournament, combining the League One, Football League Trophy, and the EFL. Currently, the qualifiers have finished, and the knockout rounds are going on. Over 80 clubs are clashing among themselves this week. Fans eagerly await notable clashes like Luton Town vs Forest Green, Peterborough vs Cardiff City, and Tranmere vs Stockport. With ten of the most significant matchups, this article presents a complete analysis and detailed prediction. Let’s look at them in detail. If you want detailed FA Cup betting tips and expert picks, click here.
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What Happened Earlier?
Before the knockout stages, the FA Cup 2025-26 qualifying rounds were held, with clubs fighting with their final breath. Throughout the four qualifying rounds, clubs were constantly getting eliminated and promoted. Finally, in the fourth qualifying round, level 5 clubs joined in and lit the already intriguing games. There were a few notable wins indeed. Several clean sheet victories and draws also took place. Boreham Wood won a clean sheet against Eastbourne Borough, and Scunthorpe United scored twice against King’s Lynn Town. Forest Green Rovers defeated Worthing 4-1. These were some of the notable wins in the fourth qualifying round. All these qualified clubs are joining the direct qualifiers in the upcoming FA Cup first round. Concisely, the Football Association Cup’s final qualifying round was dramatic as a battle. Get more timely football updates and our sensational odds & picks from Bettingpremier.
Gear Up for the Upcoming FA Cup Games
The Association Cup’s upcoming first-round games have 40 matchups and 80 teams. No club is ready to lose. After all, we won’t know which clubs will upset which. As we said, this is a giant killer event; there is no lack of surprises. Looking into this, we have the Luton Town vs Forest Green clash first. Luton Town is currently in crisis, while Forest Green is completely in good form. This contrast creates a stark narrative filled with extravaganza. Moreover, the League 1 and League 2 clubs are entering the FA Cup First Round Proper draw. These inter-divisional clashes will bring most of the action to the front. After all, this national football tournament powerfully sums up the glory of English football. We can even expect emerging teams that could be the next big thing in the European tournaments. Tune in with Bettingpremier to know every major sports update.
English FA Cup Predictions
Luton Town vs Forest Green
Luton Town and Forest Green will clash in the upcoming Carabao Cup 2025-26 season’s first round. This FA Cup game will take place at Kenilworth Road at 03:30 p.m. ET on October 31, 2025.
Luton Town
Luton Town is doing well in the League One season. With six wins out of 13 games, their league run is satisfying enough. In addition, the best thing that could ever happen to Luton Town is their home advantage. They are the hosts this season with a good home record. This gives them a decent shot at victory. But technically, they have some defensive concerns. They have gone goalless on certain occasions. However, given their home advantage, their overall profile is adequate for the next FA Cup matchup.
Forest Green
If we looked at Forest Green, they have a slightly underperforming squad in comparison. They have won only in one of their last five matches overall. Their current form is struggling enough to deal with Lutton Town. Recently, they had a home win against Boreham Wood. This may allow them to face Luton Town with sustained momentum. Still, Luton Town will win given their home advantage.
Prediction
Forest Green will win in the upcoming Carabao Cup first round.
Salford City vs Lincoln City
Lincoln City visits Salford City on November 01, 2025, at Peninsula Stadium. This Carabao Cup game will begin at 11:00 a.m. ET. Don’t miss the FA Cup action.
Salford City
Salford City has shown a dominant performance in recent fixtures. Their most recent outing was a triumph, where they shut Gillingham FC. This shows their resilient nature and winning spirit. With an ability to win away games, Salford City has proven its worth for the upcoming draw. Regarding their current form, they show a stable offense and defense. They prefer quick transitions and a pressuring game. The team also strategizes on exploiting the gaps in the back and creating scoring opportunities.
Lincoln City
Lincoln City arrives at the game with average team dynamics. Their current performance has yielded mixed results. Lincoln City’s last game was a goalless draw. The match reflected their inability to break opponents’ potent offense. They also concede more than they score.
Prediction
Ultimately, Salford City will win in this FA Cup fixture given their better form.
Weston Super Mare vs Aldershot Town
Prepare to witness the Super Mare vs Aldershot Town clash on November 01, 2025. This FA Cup battle heads to Optima Stadium, starting at 11:00 a.m. ET.
Weston Super Mare
Weston Super Mare has won tremendously in its last five matches. Its winning probability has been high since its last performance against Tonbridge. They have shown solid, responsive defensive tactics, but they have struggled to execute fine opportunities. In addition, they get a home advantage this time. Weston Super Mare has a solid home performance. As a result, this match would lean towards their favor.
Aldershot Town
On the other hand, Aldershot Town has shown a struggling current form. They have a no-win streak across all formats for their past five games. The team’s most recent game was a disappointment. This further fuels their despair. Moreover, they also have defensive lapses. Aldershot has a history of conceding substantial numbers of scores and failing to take the lead. Currently, Aldershot ranks in a reasonable position in their table. However, their struggling form is a persistent concern.
Prediction
Weston Super Mare has the winning chance in this FA Cup game.
Blackpool vs Scunthorpe
Blackpool FC will welcome Scunthorpe United to Bloomfield Road for the upcoming FA Cup. This game will begin on November 1, 2025. The match will start at 11:00 a.m. ET.
Blackpool FC
Blackpool FC arrives in average form with mixed results. However, their last win shows their offensive strength. Blackpool has an average of 1.6 goals per game from their last five fixtures. Regarding defense, they have a weak backside and flanks. These could be easily exploited in the gaps. As a result, Blackpool FC needs to refine its current form. Even though their league position is decent, they still lack proper form. Hence, Blackpool’s home advantage is less impactful in this game.
Scunthorpe United
Scunthorpe United has been unshakable in recent matches. Their defense is too solid, as evident in their last five games. Scunthorpe has always maintained composure under pressure. Regarding defense, their compact formation concedes not more than it scores. But its solid formation with quick attacks remains its key strength. Overall, Scunthorpe has well-organized team dynamics and good scoring efficiency.
Prediction
Given Scunthorpe’s better form, Blackpool’s fortune is far from reach. Therefore, despite playing away, Scunthorpe United will win in the upcoming FA Cup game.
Colchester vs MK Dons
Colchester United FC will host the upcoming FA Cup game, welcoming MK Dons on November 01, 2025. This game will start at 11:00 a.m. ET at JobServe Community Stadium.
Colchester United
Colchester United is currently under a winning potential that has won around 80% of their last five games. This shows their immense potential as a club in strong form. They have an unbeatable record for their last five matches. Defensively, they are unbreakable, where their opponents could rarely find the net. Their League 2 performances say much about the team’s potential. They have scored 22 goals and conceded 20 goals in 16 games.
MK Dons
MK Dons is in a better position in the same league as Colchester. They boast a superior form to Colchester, with a fourth-place finish in League 2. The Dons have won eight out of 17 games. With a stunning 34 scores, their two goals per game average threatens Colchester United offensively. Additionally, the head-to-head record also favors MK Dons. Considering every aspect, MK Dons seems to have an overall advantage over Colchester United.
Prediction
Colchester United will win in this English FA Cup game, driven by their home advantage.
Bolton vs Huddersfield
Bolton will face Huddersfield in the FA Cup on November 01, 2025. This game will begin at the University of Bolton Stadium at 11:00 a.m. ET.
Bolton Wanderers
Bolton has good momentum, with three wins from their previous five games. Their last head-to-head clash against Huddersfield was an away win. This shows Bolton’s superior strength, discipline, and strong attacking form. Regarding defense, they have shown good endurance, as they concede only a small number of goals. They concede less than one goal per game on average. Strategically, the team emphasizes controlling possession and fast-paced transitions, which is even more intense in central areas. Bolton Wanderers will likely edge out Bolton Wanderers.
Huddersfield Town
On the other hand, Huddersfield Town is in a declining phase. Their recent matches were mostly disappointing, as they won only once out of six games. Huddersfield’s main issue lies in converting possession into goals. The team has also shown defensive lapses, costing them more points. They often have good midfield form, but they fail to sustain that. Huddersfield Town is comparatively inferior to Bolton Wanderers, which implies a tactical advantage for Bolton.
Prediction
Bolton Wanderers will likely win this FA Cup game, assured by their home advantage.
Boreham Wood vs Crawley Town
Buckle up to witness the Boreham Wood vs Crawley Town battle as it takes place at Meadow Park. This English Carabao Cup event will occur at 11:00 a.m. ET on November 01, 2025.
Boreham Wood
Boreham Wood has always shown deterioration. Their recent matches have been mixed in results. The team’s irregular form is its biggest weakness. In a game against Forest Green, they were underwhelming under pressure. Their defensive weakness persists, especially from counterattacks. Although their scoring remains strong, defensive weaknesses cripples their overall ability to dominate. However, they tend to maintain a possession-based attack and have a higher competency.
Crawley Town
Compared to Boreham Wood, Crawley Town has a slight technical edge ahead of the upcoming FA Cup game. Crawley’s recent away win was obviously decisive, and they gave an excellent attacking performance. They are exceptionally good at creating chances. This suggests a good scoring potential against Boreham’s weak defense. Crawley’s offensive performance is in proper form, making them the favorite to win in their next game.
Prediction
Crawley Town will outscore Boreham Wood’s weak defensive front in the next FA Cup game.
Tranmere vs Stockport
Tranmere Rovers will welcome Stockport County on November 01, 2025. The FA Cup game will start at 11:00 a.m. ET at Prenton Park.
Tranmere Rovers
Tranmere Rovers’ record is unreliable, and their results are irregular. They have won twice, drawn twice, and lost once in their last five games overall. Their previous match was a draw, 1-1. Tranmere heavily relies on its strong defensive tactics and reactive methods. It prefers counterattacking more often rather than converting chances, which makes it vulnerable against Stockport’s strong defense and elite offense. Their head-to-head record is close, with both sides having won in equal numbers. However, Tranmere’s current form favors Stockport County.
Stockport County
Stockport County has a good league position and has an outstanding current form. They have solid attacking metrics, often scoring more than they concede. The team is currently on a winning streak. They lead the EFL League One with eight wins, four draws, and two losses this season. Their defensive organization is well-defined, and scoring is better in comparison. Collectively, their average goals per match, set-piece execution, and technical superiority give them an edge.
Prediction
Given Tranmere Rovers’ weak form, the odds are against them. Hence, Stockport County is favored to win this FA Cup game.
Cheltenham vs Bradford City
Bradford City will visit the EV Charger Points Stadium, playing against Cheltenham Town. The game begins at 11:00 a.m. ET on November 01, 2025.
Cheltenham Town
Cheltenham Town is at the mid-table in their league. They are currently having difficulties in defense and rarely win away. The team has conceded more often, even at home matches, making it defensively vulnerable to Bradford’s pressure. Although they get a home advantage this time, Cheltenham Town’s current form is underwhelming overall. In addition, they have a really low scoring average, indicating their poor attacking form.
Bradford City
Bradford City has been in superior form recently. They are currently ranked second in League Two, having won 10 of their last 12 games. The team also has superior attacking form and defensive solidity. Bradford City has above-average offensive factors like shots, shots on target, and expected goals. Regarding away matches, they have a good record, which is upsetting the hosts.
Prediction
Bradford City will win in this away match against Cheltenham Town.
Peterborough vs Cardiff City
Peterborough United will host the next FA Cup game, welcoming Cardiff City on November 01, 2025. This Carabao Cup game will start at 11:00 a.m. ET, occurring at Weston Homes Stadium. Don’t miss the action.
Peterborough United
Peterborough United is expected to start stronger this season. They score more often in the first half. However, they become increasingly weak in the second half. They concede 1.2 goals on average. Their solid formation allows them to contain their opponents. Regarding home advantage, Peterborough had always scored more on average. However, this game will mostly be a tight contest.
Cardiff City
On the other hand, Cardiff City has displayed a strong performance in recent matches. Their performance reflects consistency and resilience. Cardiff City’s performance is even firmer at away matches. With a balanced approach, they maintain composure under pressure. Offensively, they tend to score more in the second half, indicating an ability to press and capitalize later in matches.
Prediction
Cardiff City will wear down Peterborough United in this FA Cup fixture.