FA Cup 2026–27: First Round Proper Picks

FA Cup: First Round Overview

The FA Cup 2026–27 First Round Proper takes place from 6 to 9 November. Forty ties bring League One and League Two clubs into the competition. They meet clubs that progressed through the qualifying rounds. This stage creates several interesting differences in league level and current form. Some fixtures also feature teams performing strongly in their respective divisions. This article selects eight key matches using league position and competitive strength. Four of those FA Cup fixtures receive detailed previews and match picks.

FA Cup First Round Proper: Event Details

FA Cup: First Round Proper Key Match Schedule

Why these FA Cup matches?

• Oxford City vs Leicester City: Leicester adds more star power in this fixture. Oxford City will have the edge of playing at home and live television coverage.
• Huddersfield Town vs Exeter City: Huddersfield sit atop the League One table. They will take on Exeter, who play in the very same division.
• Luton Town vs Forest Green Rovers: Luton have been soaring in League One. Forest Green provide opposition from the second division, League Two.
• Boreham Wood vs Wigan Athletic: Non-league Boreham Wood are having a great season. They host Wigan, who play two divisions higher.
• Barnet vs Tranmere Rovers: Barnet are fighting for promotion from the National League. Tranmere are a solid League Two side.
• Carlisle United vs Salford City: This is a fierce, all-League Two battle. Both teams want a deep cup run this year.
• Bradford City vs Marine: Bradford are fighting near the top of League One. Marine are the ultimate non-league underdogs here.
• Harrogate Town vs AFC Fylde: League Two Harrogate host National League Fylde. This creates a highly competitive local cup tie.

FA Cup 2026–27: First Round Proper Full Schedule

FA Cup 2026–27: First Round Proper Key Match Analysis

Match 1: Huddersfield Town vs Exeter City

FA Cup Squad Information

Huddersfield Town

Exeter City

FA Cup: Recent Form and Comparison

The current leaders in the League One standings are Huddersfield Town, who have collected 29 points from their first 14 matches. Their record thus far stands at eight wins and five draws. Exeter City is also a team that plays in League One. It is presently placed 12th in the table, collecting 19 points in the process. As the two teams play in exactly the same league, there is no league differential between them.

Match Analysis

The current form of Huddersfield in the league has been superb. Their aim is to capitalize on this tremendous momentum in the cup competition. They enjoy great home advantage, with their game being played at the Accor Stadium. The third-division side, Exeter City, has a lot of experience, which will make the game hard for them. Huddersfield are expected to dominate possession and create more chances.

The Pick: Huddersfield Town

Match 2: Luton Town vs Forest Green Rovers

FA Cup Squad Information

Luton Town

Forest Green Rovers

FA Cup: Recent Form and Comparison

Luton Town lie in fourth place with 24 points from 14 matches in League One. Forest Green Rovers, on the other hand, play in the league immediately below Luton in League Two. It is easy for Luton to take advantage of their home ground and their higher rank than their opponents. Forest Green must stay fully disciplined to close the one-tier gap.

Match Analysis

Luton will aim to dictate the pace of this game right from the outset. Luton’s superior league position affords them an obvious tactical advantage. The only way Forest Green can keep their opponents at bay is to organize a compact defense. It is certain that Luton will be very strong favorites for this one. Luton are the strong favorites to secure the victory at Kenilworth Road.

The Pick: Luton Town

Match 3: Boreham Wood vs Wigan Athletic

FA Cup Squad Information

Boreham Wood

Wigan Athletic

FA Cup: Recent Form and Comparison

Currently, Boreham Wood are the best team in the National League, having accumulated 44 points from 16 matches, winning 14 matches and drawing two. The Wigan team has been struggling in 21st place in League One, accumulating only 11 points from 14 matches. On the basis of current domestic form, the non-league hosts seem to be more motivated.

Match Analysis

Boreham Wood have shown themselves to be very impressive in their league season. Their record of winning all games gives them confidence for the cup match. Wigan have experience playing at a much higher level, but currently their league form is not very impressive. Wigan will need to get their defenses organized better. Boreham Wood can use home fans’ support and current strength to challenge them.

The Pick: Boreham Wood

FA Cup 2026-27: Conclusion

40 games are played in the FA Cup First Round Proper between 6 and 9 November. The teams will be entering the competition with decent league performances. The teams are Huddersfield, Luton, Boreham Wood, and Barnet. The four aforementioned teams are our main clashes. The lower-league sides create surprises and deliver memorable cup moments.