2025-26 FA Cup: Second Round – Gateshead vs Walsall

Gateshead meet League Two leaders, Walsall in a big second round tie in the 2025-26 FA Cup.

Victory would see Gateshead progress to the third round for the first time since 2014-15 season, whilst Walsall are seeking to move beyond this stage for the third time in four seasons.

 

Team News

Gateshead have no fresh injury concerns to report coming into this match.

Connor Pani (Achilles) and Callum Johnson (hamstring) remain sidelined.

Walsall have no fresh injury concerns to report after their 3-1 comeback League Two victory against Bromley.

Elicha Ahui (muscle), Harrison Burke, Mason Hancock (both knee), Jamie Jellis (groin), Aaron Pressley (hamstring) and Harry Williams (Achilles) remain absent.

 

When is Kick-Off?

Gateshead host Walsall at Gateshead International Stadium on Sunday 7 December at 3:30pm GMT, live on TNT Sports 2 in the UK.

 

Stat Attack

• This is Gateshead FC’s first FA Cup meeting against Walsall.
• Walsall are yet to win away at Gateshead in all competitions under the Heed’s former Gateshead AFC identity which was dissolved in 1973 (D2, L5).
• This is Gateshead’s first meeting against Walsall since a 3-0 home win in April 1960 in the then Old Fourth Division, albeit under their original Gateshead AFC name.
• Gateshead are yet to concede in this season’s FA Cup (W2), having won 3-0 at Aveley in the Fourth Qualifying Round then 2-0 at AFC Wimbledon in the first round.
• Walsall have lost just one of their last six FA Cup away trips (W4, D1, L1).

 

Prediction

Currently sat in the National League’s relegation zone without a win since their shock victory at AFC Wimbledon in the first round, Gateshead really need to knuckle down defensively but be clinical if Walsall turn out a sloppy first half and capitalise in the way that Bromley couldn’t once ahead.

Walsall though are unbeaten in their last three in all competitions and had to come from behind with a ruthless second half display against Bromley in the league then Stevenage in EFL Trophy, which shows that they can’t be underestimated even when behind such is their attacking quality.

Although most fans will hope for a cupset given Walsall’s poor away record against Gateshead in previous iterations, I just can’t see that happening on current form although Gateshead if lucky might nick a goal.

Prediction: Gateshead 1-3 Walsall

Result: Gateshead 0-2 Walsall