FA Cup 1st Round Predictions: revenge for Plymouth?

Northampton v Scunthorpe

Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink had a more glamourous playing career than Graham Alexander but as a manager, he favours similarly defensive principles. The Dutchman’s Northampton side have improved their survival chances with back-to-back wins after a good defensive performance in a 1-0 win against Blackpool, with Ash Taylor and Aaron Pierre commanding at centre-back. Murray Wallace and Rory McArdle have been consistently impressive for the Iron, who have kept clean sheets in half their games this term. 0-1

Peterborough v Tranmere

Ricky Miller scored 42 goals for Dover last season but Tranmere Rovers were one of just four National League teams he twice drew a blank against. The early signs are that, while his individualistic goalscoring ability worked at a lower level, he hasn’t replaced the selfless, fast-paced hold-up qualities of now-injured Junior Morias. Tranmere had been struggling for goals themselves but, after James Norwood grabbed a brace in Saturday’s 4-2 win over Halifax, we can see the green shoots of recovery. The Super White Army have taken eight points from their last five games, scoring eight goals, having netted just twice in the preceding five. 0-1

Plymouth v Grimsby

Plymouth Argyle would have secured the League Two title last season had they won at Blundell Park on the final day. Instead, the 1-1 draw handed the trophy to Portsmouth, who had been below them for almost the entirety of the campaign. The Green Army remain bottom of League One but have improved incrementally in recent weeks, unbeaten in their last four thanks to Graham Carey’s improved form. Grimsby Town will sit deep, play long balls and hope for a spontaneous moment of magic from wide man Siriki Dembele or forward Sam Jones to win it. They have though taken just six points from nine league two games against top 15 opposition, scoring eight goals, which suggests Plymouth’s improving rear-guard will pull through. 1-0