Sunday's live FA Cup clash comes from South London as National League side Sutton United host Birmingham at Gander Green Lane.
Despite a brave late-season fight, Sutton United were ultimately relegated back to the National League after three years in League Two. A 0-1 win away at Braintree halted a run of three straight defeats for the U's, with Steve Morison's side sitting 12th in the table. With 24 goals scored and 24 conceded in 16 games, Sutton matches have averaged three goals. They have the worst defensive record in the league.
In 2017, Sutton United, then in the National League, made a historic FA Cup run that captured national attention. Sutton’s campaign was notable for its giant-killing performances, defeating higher-ranked teams such as Cheltenham Town, AFC Wimbledon, and Leeds United.
This got them to the fifth round, with a bumper tie at home to Arsenal the reward. The U's lost 0-2, but the game was marred by 'pie gate,' with Wayne Shaw fined for eating a pie due to gambling regulations.
If Sutton are to relive the 2017 heroics, they have to beat the highest-ranked side in the competition, Birmingham City.
The highest-ranked and biggest side to enter Round One is Birmingham City. The Blues are playing in the first round for the first time in 30 years after plying their trade in the top two divisions for so long.
Chairman Tom Wagner has backed new manager Chris Davies with a war chest, splashing over £20 million on an array of new signings. As expected, they sit top of the league, three points ahead of Wrexham. While the league is the obvious priority, Birmingham will be looking to put a cup run together to bring the feel-good factor back to St Andrew's.
Birmingham are priced as heavy 1.28 favourites for this match, with Sutton United as big as 8.00 in places. Sutton United games are averaging exactly three goals, with Steve Morison's side keeping just four clean sheets in 17 games in all competitions. They've also scored in 13/17 games, so carry a potent attacking threat.
The Blues have scored 23 goals in 12 league games, conceding 11 in the process. They've scored in all bar one league game, keeping just three clean sheets in 12 games.
While Birmingham should win this game comfortably, the hosts look a tempting price to score.
Prediction: Both Teams To Score and Over 2.5 goals @2.05 - Bet365
ITVX/ITV1
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