This weekend brings us the second round of the 2024-25 FA Cup. This is the final round before the 44 clubs from the Premier League and the Championship join the competition. But that doesn’t mean there won’t be plenty of matches worth watching. The first round provided plenty of surprises and FA Cup magic, and the second round promises the same.
Also, just because the heavyweights of the Premier League aren’t playing yet doesn’t mean you can’t wager some money on the FA Cup. Even if you don’t typically bet on football, the FA Cup can be a good place to start. In fact, there are always plenty of sportsbook bonuses available, especially for new users. You just have to find one that’s a good fit for you. Now let’s get to the second round FA Cup matches that everyone should have their eyes on this weekend.
Harrogate Town vs Gainsborough Trinity
Gainsborough Trinity is one of three teams from the seventh level of English football still in the competition. Of those three teams, they might have the best chance of advancing to the third round and possibly going up against a Premier League team. That’s because Harrogate Town appears to be the most vulnerable of the teams facing seventh-level clubs. They are currently in the bottom half of the League Two table, so it’s far from a certainty that they’ll dominate a lower-level team. That being said, Harrogate Town eliminated Wrexham in the previous round, so perhaps they have some FA Cup magic on their side.
Wealdstone vs Wycombe Wanderers
Wycombe currently sits atop the League One standings, making them the highest-ranked team playing in the second round. The Chairboys have played like a team that could make some noise in the FA Cup and knock off higher-level teams. However, to do that, they’ll have to go on the road against fifth-level Wealdstone. The Stones beat a League Two side on the road last round and were rewarded with a home fixture in the round two draw. That makes them a dangerous opponent if Wycombe decides to take them lightly.
Barnsley vs Bristol Rovers
This is likely to be the most competitive of the fixtures between League One sides in the second round. Barnsley would qualify for a spot in the promotion playoffs if the season were to end today while Bristol is comfortably mid-table. Either side could fancy themselves to go deep in this competition if they can survive this round and get a favorable draw in the third round. That should make both teams motivated to find a way to advance.
Exeter City vs Chesterfield
While we’re just one round into the FA Cup, Exeter City’s Josh Magennis is the leading scorer in the competition. He scored a hat trick in Exeter’s thrilling 5-3 victory over Barnet in the first round. He will try to keep it going for the Grecians in the second round. Exeter City should be favored in this match, although Chesterfield is having a solid season in League Two. The talent gap between these teams shouldn’t be that big, which should lead to a competitive match, especially since Chesterfield has scored the most goals of any team in League Two this season.
Walsall vs Charlton Athletic
Walsall is currently second in the League Two table. They also have the best goal differential at that level, which could make the Saddlers a team that could make a surprising run to the later rounds of the FA Cup. Walsall will have the benefit of playing the second round at home, albeit against Charlton Athletic, a League One side. The Red Robins are merely a mid-table club in League One this season. However, Charlton has one of the best defensive records in League One, conceding just 17 goals in 15 matches. They will make it difficult for Walsall to keep the goals flowing.
Blackpool vs Birmingham City
Birmingham City has proven to be one of the best teams in League One this season. They have an excellent chance of getting promoted this year and could be a sleeper in the FA Cup. Meanwhile, Blackpool is struggling to avoid the relegation zone in League One, so they face a tough task by hosting Birmingham City. However, Blackpool has scored more goals than any team in the bottom half of the League One table. They have the firepower to knock off a team like Birmingham City, especially if the Tangerines can get the home crowd behind them.
