Currently competing in the Championship, Sheffield Wednesday have shown a mixed start to their season. While they are strong at Hillsborough, their attacking output has been inconsistent.

In knockout competitions, they often rotate players, which can affect rhythm in attack. Defensively, however, they remain organized and difficult to break down, especially against lower-league opposition.

Grimsby, from the lower tiers, enter this tie as underdogs. Their recent league form suggests a team that struggles to score freely but remains disciplined at the back.

Against higher-division opponents, their main approach is usually compact defending and counter-attacking, which naturally limits the number of goals in a match.

Playing Styles: Sheffield Wednesday are expected to dominate possession but may find it difficult to carve open Grimsby’s deep defensive block.

Goals Trend: Both sides have shown low-scoring tendencies. Wednesday’s matches often end tight, while Grimsby rely heavily on set-pieces and rarely rack up goals in open play.

Cup Factor: Given it’s a cup tie, neither team will want to concede early. This could lead to a cautious first half with limited chances.

Main Pick: Under 2.5 Goals

Reasoning: The home side should edge the match with their superior quality, but Grimsby’s defensive approach and Wednesday’s inconsistency in front of goal point strongly towards a low-scoring affair.

Competing in the lower non-league divisions, Halesowen are experienced in FA Cup qualifiers and often emphasize structure and discipline.

While they have the ability to edge matches at home, their attacking output is typically steady rather than explosive.

Another non-league side, Grimsby Borough approach these cup ties with defensive resilience as their foundation.

They rarely engage in high-scoring matches, instead relying on tight defensive lines and trying to capitalize on individual chances or set-pieces.

Goal Expectation: With the line set at 3.25, the market anticipates the possibility of goals, but both teams’ style and level suggest otherwise. Matches between non-league clubs in the FA Cup qualifiers are often scrappy, cautious, and tight.

Attacking Form: Neither Halesowen nor Grimsby Borough are prolific scorers; most of their domestic league results stay around 1–0, 2–0, or 1–1.

Cup Factor: The importance of progression to the next round encourages a careful approach—teams typically avoid taking excessive risks.

Main Pick: Under 3.25 Goals

Reasoning: Both sides lack consistent attacking firepower, and with the high-pressure cup setting, a cagey, low-scoring battle is the most likely scenario.