Gateshead vs Walsall Predictions

• Gateshead have failed to win any of their last 11 home games, losing eight
• Walsall have won their last four away games with fewer than four goals in three
• Gateshead have failed to score in four of their last six matches

Saddlers in the driving seat

Promotion-chasing Walsall’s priorities lie elsewhere but the League Two leaders should still be able to overcome non-league Gateshead on Sunday and book a place in the third-round draw.

The Saddlers have picked up form again after a stumble in the league and come into this clash on the back of five wins in six overall. Mat Sadler’s men have won on each of their last four road trips, including a 3-0 victory over National League Eastleigh in round one.

Gateshead are currently four points behind the south coast club in the standings, although they did win 2-0 at Silverlake Stadium earlier this season. The Heed’s away form is much better than their home record, however, with Alun Armstrong’s side failing to win any of their last 11 at Gateshead International Stadium.

Win to nil must be considered

Eight of those matches have been lost and it is very likely that Walsall add to that tally on Sunday in front of the TV cameras. Sadler is likely to rest a couple of his older stars, but a similar lineup to the one he selected at Eastleigh should be good enough to win with a bit to spare.

Walsall have been pretty efficient in their wins of late, scoring no more than three goals in four of their last five and keeping clean sheets in two of them. Gateshead have failed to score in four of their last six matches, so a win to nil must be a strong consideration.