Competition: FA Cup

Market: Goal to be scored in both halves

Odds: 3/5 @ 1xBet

Looking to extend on their FA Cup adventure on Sunday afternoon, Walsall will travel to Tyneside when they meet National League outfit Gateshead.

Starting with the hosts, while some in Gateshead’s camp might have opened up the 2025/26 campaign with their sights set on mounting another genuine play-off charge, the Tynesides have endured a public National League nightmare. Last seen signing off November with a rollercoaster 4-2 defeat at the hands of Sutton, Alun Armstrong’s men are at the heart of a relegation scrap and have rightfully come under a huge amount of scrutiny. Watching their National League Cup adventure come to a thumping end last month as they fell to a 3-0 loss at home against Leeds’ U21s, the former Darlington boss has seen his struggling squad lose all of their previous six consecutive appearances across all competitions. With their woeful rut underlined by a 4-0 drumming against York City on November 5th, it is no surprise that Gateshead have gained a reputation for their glaring defensive struggles. In fact, Sunday’s hosts have shipped 19 goals on their six-match losing rut. Likewise, the Whites have lost all of their last three straight showdowns on Tyneside by an aggregate score of 8-0.

As for the visitors, although Walsall might have endured play-off heartbreak last season, the Saddlers haven’t shown any signs of a hangover this time around. Last seen extending on their EFL Trophy adventure as they clinched a 2-1 victory away at Stevenage, Mat Sadler’s men find the mood in their camp at a red-hot high. Signing off November with a routine 3-1 win at home against Bromley, the Midlands-based outfit have won all of their previous three appearances across all competitions by an aggregate score of 7-2. With the mood around the Bescot Stadium at a real high, Sunday’s guests are rightfully pencilled in as a standout contender here. Likewise, securing a thrilling 4-2 victory away at Newport last month, Walsall have won six of their previous seven outings – a purple patch that stems all the way back to October 25th. Continuing to shine with their performances in the final third, the Reds have also gained a reputation for their success on the road. In fact, Sadler’s side have won all of their last four straight showdowns outside of the Midlands by an aggregate score of 10-3.

Bet: Goal to be scored in both halves at Gateshead vs Walsall 3/5 for Sunday’s FA Cup tie @ 1xBet