The runaway leaders in League Two come face-to-face with Northern Premier League Premier Division stragglers FC United of Manchester, who are a club famous for their bold attempts at trying to rebuild Manchester United FC and rid them of their American owners, the Glazer family. So, it’s hardly surprising that the supporters have aptly named their side ‘The Red Rebels’ and despite residing in the very lower reaches of the English Football League pyramid, they’ve been rebelling in the FA Cup this season by ripping up the script and continuing to punch above their weight, fittingly so. However, and this despite five separate gruelling encounters just to make it into the Second Round proper, the Greater Manchester outfit will face their toughest assignment thus far on Saturday, and the bookies are of the strong opinion that their FA Cup adventure will, unfortunately, come to an end this weekend.
Even though there are four divisions separating the two, you can count of the magic and romance of the FA Cup inspiring the underdogs. In the previous round, FC United let the romance of the oldest domestic competition in the world sweep them off their feet, stunning a fellow League One side Rochdale at Spotland, home of The Dale’s, with a terrific display which saw their enthusiastic efforts rewarded with a stunning 3-2 victory. Their fearless attitude took the League One side by surprise and although Brighton manager Gus Poyet will no doubt have done his research, we reckon the ‘Red Rebels’ could provide League One’s finest with a sterner test than many anticipate.
Only Sheffield Wednesday can boast a leaner defence in League One this season than Brighton, with Albion conceding just thirteen goals in their opening eighteen league matches. Moreover, add into the equation nine clean sheets and you have one formidable defence, a possible platform upon where Brighton could possibly mount a giant-killing run in the competition providing they kept their professionalism in these early rounds. However, keeping their concentration and maintaining their respect for their lower league opponents has already sprung about several causes for concern for Albion coach Poyet, who seen his side fail to beat Conference South side Woking home or away, requiring a penalty shoot-out victory to confirm their progress in the tournament.
Unconvincing, definitely, with the League One side perhaps a little apprehensive about the humiliation that comes with an FA Cup shock. Considering their Second Round opponents are going to hold no fear when travelling to the Withdean on Saturday, having scored goals for fun in the earlier qualifying rounds, Brighton’s FA Cup mettle is likely to be tested once again. Courage is a vital characteristic in the FA Cup and without it, with Brighton lacking any against Woking in the previous round, any team, no matter what their reputation, will struggle and are exposed to a famous FA Cup giant-killing.
It doesn’t take a genius to figure out which side boasts the greater personnel, Brighton, but there’s also little doubt in my mind as to which of the two has shown more hunger in the competition thus far. FC United of Manchester shown away to Rochdale in the previous round that they certainly aren’t here to make up the numbers, nor are they looking to merely seize upon their 15 minutes of fame. Saturday’s underdogs at the Withdean have had to work tremendously hard to get into the Second Round, battling through four qualifiers before even reaching the First Round proper, and with the tenacity they shown at Spotland against Rochdale when winning 3-2, combined with their impressive scoring antics in the qualifying rounds, scoring ten in four qualifiers, we’re willing to stick our hard earned cash on the underdogs refusing to roll over at Brighton’s Withdean stadium, a venue where the hosts just seven goals in nine league matches against League One opposition. We’re banking on little, although not so old, FC United of Manchester defying the odds by at least getting on the scoresheet. Thereafter, anything can happen.
Matt’s Selection(s):
FC United of Manchester to Score 1 or More Goal(s) – 1.66 PaddyPower
Both Teams to Score – 2.10 SkyBet
Match Odds:
Brighton – 1.25 BetFred
Draw – 6.50 VCBet
FC United of Manchester – 15.00 SkyBet
