With qualifying rounds now officially concluded and the first round line-up confirmed, it’s time for a look at the five top ties.
Tuesday (20 October) evening saw 11 fourth qualifying round replays completed to wrap up the qualifying stages of the competition, which meant that the full 80-team line-up for the first round was completed with plenty of exciting ties.
I have therefore picked out five of the top ties which you should watch out for across the first round between 6-9 November.
Cray Wanderers vs Stockport County
Having overcame Bedford Town on penalties after a 2-2 draw at home in their replay to reach the first round for the first time, Cray Wanderers now face a difficult test against League One leaders, Stockport.
Despite 100 league positions separating both clubs, Stockport face a tough trip to South-East London to take on a seventh-tier team who will be keen to produce a giant killing on their own turf at Flamingo Park.
Jimmy McNulty’s Hatters though might have their eyes more on their promotion campaign, which could give the Wands extra motivation if Stockport field a weakened side.
Oxford City vs Leicester City
Currently flying high in National League North on their artificial 3G pitch at MGroup Stadium, Oxford City will be relishing a chance to cause a shock and knock out the 2021 winners.
Leicester meanwhile are targeting an instant promotion back to the Championship after consecutive relegations to League One, but they’re still capable of a decent cup run if they view this competition as important this season.
This tie therefore is an interesting matchup between two teams with promotion ambitions in their respective leagues.
Boreham Wood vs Wigan
Sat bottom of League One, Wigan are now a far cry from their cup title-winning days back in 2013 and face a difficult visit to National League leaders, Boreham Wood, who will be relishing the prospect of knocking out a former winner on their own turf.
Wigan’s priority therefore is more likely to be on their relegation battle but a cup run could be useful for momentum and financial income, but Boreham Wood certainly shouldn’t be underestimated at home.
Hornchurch vs Blackpool
Currently sat ninth in the National League and capable of a play-off push, Hornchurch will probably relish this money-spinning tie as they do have some decent players amongst their ranks.
Blackpool meanwhile won the competition in 1952-53 season but are on the cusp of the relegation scrap in League One, so league survival might be their main priority over a cup run this season.
Nevertheless this is a tasty tie which could be a banana skin for Blackpool if not careful, whilst Hornchurch have nothing to lose given that they don’t often get to this stage of the competition.
Bromley vs Rotherham
The all EFL ties aren’t the most stand-out in the first round this season but Bromley’s tie against Rotherham looks the most intriguing of the lot.
With both teams firmly in a relegation scrap in League One and League Two respectively, their priorities lie in their respective leagues so this tie is a headscratcher as to whether to go strong in hope of advancing or weak and get out early to focus on their relegation battles.
There is also the financial implications of the competition with both teams certainly in need of investment, especially come January when the transfer window opens which adds extra intrigue as to how this tie plays out,
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