FA Cup First Round action kicks off at Roots Hall on Saturday as National League side Southend United hosts League One’s Charlton Athletic. Will our prediction favor the bookies’ favorites, or can the Shrimpers pull off an upset?
Southend, managed by Kevin Maher, currently sits 15th in the National League, boosted by a recent good run. They’ve won their last three matches, including a 1-0 victory at Rochdale, a 0-0 draw at Aldershot, and a 2-0 win over Tamworth. They also secured a last-minute winner against Eastleigh to advance in the Cup.
Charlton Athletic enters the First Round automatically as a League One team. Managed by Nathan Jones, they have a modest away record with two wins, a draw, and three defeats. However, they’ve faced tougher competition. Currently unbeaten in four matches, Charlton has drawn their last three games, including 1-1 against Stockport and two 2-2 draws against Barnsley and Wrexham.