The Five Big FA Cup Ties To Watch Out For This Weekend

By Tom Scott

The FA Cup is back for the weekend as the EFL teams enter - and our sides look to be the story of the weekend.

League One and League Two sides are looking to avoid upsets the likes of National League sides Lincoln City and Sutton United have previously sprung.

Last season of course it was Barnet whose eye-catching run was ended only by Championship Brentford in the Fourth Round.

We’ve picked out five enticing First Round games, but who will make it through and take one step closer to Wembley?

Dulwich Hamlet v Carlisle (Friday - 7.55pm)

Dulwich captain David Ijaha has said the pressue is all on their League Two opponents ahead of their televised meeting on Friday night.

There might be 44 places separating the two but Gavin Rose's men are on their best FA Cup run since 1998 and are looking to get into the Second Round for the first time ever.

Always noted as a welcoming club, the struggling Cumbrians might not feel at immediately at home at a sell-out Champion Hill.

Carshalton Athletic v Boston United (Saturday - 3pm)

Boston will have to have their whits about them to avoid the same fate as Dagenham & Redbridge in the previous round.

The Robins were one of the stories of the round when they dumped out the Daggers and they are sure to have the bit between their teeth for more cup glory.

But they'll have to overcome a stubborn Pilgrims backline if they're to get any joy - Craig Elliott's well-drilled side have kept clean sheets in all three of their FA Cup games so far.

Chippenham Town v Northampton Town (Sunday - 12.45pm)

You'd do well to find a side in the competition in better form that National League South Chippenham Town at the minute.

Confidence is sky-high at the minute for Town who haven't tasted defeat since the first matchday in September.

Northampton however are equally in good form but the Bluebirds might just fancy themselves.

Harrogate Town v Portsmouth (Monday - 7.45pm)

National League Harrogate close the round with a must-see televised clash with League One Pompey.

The pair have experienced differing fortunes since Portsmouth lifted the FA Cup in 2008 and Simon Weaver's men are having another decent campaign.

Town are quite handy at home - they're looking for a fifth straight win having conceded just one goal since the end of August at Wetherby Road.

Gateshead v Oldham (Sunday - 12.45pm)

Perhaps one to keep an eye on if you're an old cup romantic. The Heed look almost unstoppable at home - losing just once in their last eight games there.

League Two strugglers Oldham were one of the sides ex-National League side Lincoln City dumped out on their way to the Quarter-Finals.

Mike Williamson might fancy a stab at the Second Round, especially seeing as their visitors have won just once on their travels since April.

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