Darlington vs Walsall Predictions

Darlington welcome Walsall to Blackwell Meadows on Tuesday evening after earning themselves a replay by drawing at Bescot Stadium just over a week ago. The Football League visitors will be hoping to avoid the embarrassment of being knocked out by Non-League opposition.

When Walsall came from behind to lead with less than two minutes of normal time remaining, they must’ve thought that they’d done enough to make it through to the third round. Unfortunately for them, Darlington had other ideas. Having equalised in the 97^th minute at Bescot Stadium, the National League North side will come into this match at what should be a jam-packed Blackwell Meadows feeling confident.

Facing League 2 opposition won’t be easy, just as it wasn’t a week ago, but Alan Armstrong’s men really shouldn’t be fearful. Despite playing away from home against a Football League side, the Quakers delivered a pleasing performance. In what was an open game, they didn’t quite match watch in terms of shots of shots on target, but the fact that they registered 15 shots, eight of which troubled keeper Jack Rose, shows that they certainly competed.

As far as betting on this fixture goes, ‘Over 2.5 Goals & Both Teams to Score’ appeals. If this fixture turns out to be anything like the one that took place at Bescot Stadium, then the fans in attendance should be treated to plenty of goals. When the pair met just over a week ago, not only did they share four goals, but they both created numerous opening and shared no less than 37 shots, 18 of which hit the target. Darlington came up short at the back, but they showed that they’ve got the quality to hurt Walsall, who’ve conceded two or more goals in seven of their last nine competitive fixtures.

Darlington have also had a bit of a habit of being involved in high-scoring games in the FA Cup this term. Three or more goals have been scored in three of their four matches prior to Wednesday’s clash. Moreover, three or more goals have been scored in each of Walsall’s six matches (in all competitions), as well as in eight of their last ten. Both teams scored in seven of those ten.

In the ‘Correct Score’ market a punt is taken on a 3-2 win for the visitors. Darlington have already proven that they can hurt Walsall. They’re backed to once again notch twice. After all, the Saddlers have shipped two or more in seven of their last ten matches. That said, Walsall, despite being weak at the back, did create more in the first leg and having scored eight goals in two games since drawing 2-2 in the initial tie, the Football League side are backed to do that little bit more in the final third.