2026-27 FA Cup: First Round – Altrincham vs Notts County

Altrincham seek a cupset against League One’s Notts County in their first round tie in the 2026-27 FA Cup.

Victory would see Altrincham reach the second round for the first time since the 2019-20 season, whilst Notts County seek to avoid suffering consecutive first-round exits in the FA Cup for the first time since 2014-15 & 15-16 seasons.

 

Team News

Liam Humbles and Charlie Olson face late fitness for Altrincham, having resumed light training this week.

Leo Farrell, Anthony Forde, Owen German, Kane Hemmings and Jimmy Knowles aren’t expected to feature due to unspecified injuries.

Kristian Dennis, Charlie Kirk and Kahrel Reddin are doubts after they were unfit for selection in their 4-2 National League defeat to Carlisle, and were only named on the bench to create strategical confusion for the Cumbrians.

Notts County could be without midfielder, Conor Grant after he suffered an unspecified injury during their 2-0 League One victory at Mansfield.

Emile Acquah (unspecified) and Dean Campbell (calf) remain absent.

 

When is Kick-Off?

Altrincham host Notts County at Moss Lane on Saturday 7 November at 5:30pm GMT, live on BBC2, TNT Sports 1, BBC iPlayer and HBO Max in the UK.

 

Stat Attack

• This is Altrincham’s first FA Cup meeting against Notts County.
• Notts County have won one of their three previous visits to Altrincham in all competitions (W1, D1, L1), albeit in the National League between 2020-21 to 22-23 seasons.
• Two of Altrincham’s last three home matches in all competitions have ended in a 0-0 result.
• Notts County have never suffered consecutive FA Cup exits against non-league opposition when they have been a league club.

 

Prediction

Despite their injury crisis, Altrincham have done well to find themselves sat seventh in the National League and certainly can’t be underestimated with home advantage in this tie, but they will need to defend better than they did against Carlisle if want to cause a cupset.

Notts County meanwhile are one of several teams flirting with the relegation zone in League One and after their shock first round exit at Brackley last season, I expect them to go much stronger this time round but third-tier survival surely has to be the main priority in the long term.

I however do think that the Magpies can enjoy a short cup run across the initial few rounds if they turn up with the right attitude to win this tie, but Altrincham will give them a proper fight.

Prediction: Altrincham 1-2 Notts County