This weekend sees the FA Cup first round take place. Thirty-two non-league teams remain in the competition, hoping to progress to the second round, with £45,000 the financial incentive for those who progress. Matthew O'Regan previews his four best bets for the weekend action.
Matt Taylor was under pressure at Bristol Rovers, before three wins in four games bided him some time. If Weston Super Mare do shock the Gas on Saturday, it could be Matt Taylor's last game in charge.
Rovers currently sit 17th in the league, just six points clear of the bottom four. Taylor's side have struggled defensively, keeping just one clean sheet in their last nine league fixtures, as well as conceding 20 goals in 13 games.
Making the short 23-mile journey to the Memorial Stadium is National League South side Weston-Super Mare. 80 places may separate the sides, but The Seagulls will fancy their chances of causing a shock against their League One hosts.
Scott Bartlett's side are top of the sixth tier with a game in hand and are now sixteen games unbeaten in all competitions. With 30 goals scored in all competitions, Weston Super Mare has scored in all bar three games.
The Seagulls are fearless and look good value to score at least once on Saturday.
Prediction: Both Teams To Score - 1.80 - Bet365
National League South side Worthing host League Two side Morecambe at Woodside Road. They are looking to make the second round for just the second time in their history.
The Rebels currently sit fifth in the league despite playing just five of their 14 games at home due to renovation work at Woodside Road. A bumper crowd is expected on the South Coast to watch Chris Agutter's free-flowing Rebels.
With 24 goals scored, Worthing are the top scorers in the league, boasting a potent front line containing Danny Cashman, Muhammadu Faal, Jack Spong, Tommy Willard and Nicky Wheeler.
With five wins from their last six, Worthing are starting to pick up momentum and will fancy their chances against strugglers Morecambe.
The Shrimps had a tumultuous summer, with a host of first-team players leaving, leading to 16 new faces being introduced in one day. Derek Adams' side currently sit bottom of the league with just seven points off 14 games, having conceded 11 goals in their last three games, keeping just one clean sheet all season.
The long journey, coupled with the Astro pitch at Woodside Road and a bumper crowd, means Morecambe may struggle.
Prediction: Worthing +0.5 Asian Handicap @1.950
Northampton currently sit 18th in League One and host a Kettering side 16 miles and 79 places below them in the pyramid.
John Brady's side have conceded 20 goals in 13 league games, keeping just three clean sheets in this period. The Cobblers have been knocked out in the first round in six of the last seven years, so they will be hoping to break this curse against Southern Premier League Central leaders Kettering. Northampton are priced as heavy 1.33 favourites for this game.
Kettering are having a stellar season and sits atop the Southern League Central after six wins in a row in the league. Richard Lavery's side have been potent in attack, scoring a league-high 24 goals.
The Poppies are well backed financially, with Nadim Akhtar having lofty ambitions of restoring Kettering up the leagues. Players such as Gary Hooper and Nile Ranger frequent the front line, so it would not be a surprise to see a goal from the away side.
Prediction: Both Teams to Score @2.00 - Betfred
National League North side Curzon Ashton are aiming to get to the second round for just the third time in their history but face a stern test as they host League One side Mansfield at the Tameside Stadium.
Craig Mahon has built an exciting squad, with his side fourth in the National League North with the chance to go top, provided they win their game in hand. Only heavy league favourites Scunthorpe boast a better defensive record than the Nash, who have only conceded ten goals.
Curzon Ashton have kept ten clean sheets in all competitions this season, and their defensive rearguard will have to be on top form to stop high-flying Mansfield.
After gaining promotion from League Two, The Stags are currently fourth in League One as they look to defy the odds and earn a promotion to the Championship for only the second time in their history.
Nigel Clough's side have lost just once in their last nine league games, so they will expect to leave Greater Manchester with a place in the second round. However, Craig Mahon's side will be hard to break down, so if the visitors do take the win, it'll be a narrow one.
Prediction: Curzon Ashton +1.5 Asian Handicap @1.725 - Bet365
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