EFL Clubs Face Potential FA Cup Upsets

The FA Cup is renowned for its dramatic upsets, where lower-ranked teams overcome higher-ranked opponents, a phenomenon often termed a ‘cupset’. This tradition is a consistent feature of the historic competition, and the upcoming first round this weekend presents numerous chances for such outcomes. Among the teams at risk are Burton Albion, who are at the bottom of League One, and Morecambe, who occupy the last position in League Two. Out of the 32 non-league clubs that have reached this stage, 24 are scheduled to compete against English Football League (EFL) teams. An upset has already occurred with Tamworth’s victory over League One Huddersfield Town on Friday. This analysis will examine five additional matches that could generate headlines. Burton Albion, currently at the bottom of League One and seven points from safety, has not secured a single victory in the league. Jonathan Greening, a former player for Manchester United and West Brom, manages National League North team Scarborough Athletic. The Brewers are experiencing a streak of eight consecutive losses across all competitions. Their sole win this season was against Leicester City’s Under-21s in the EFL Trophy on August 20. With two months and 11 matches having passed since that victory, Scarborough Athletic, despite being three divisions below, will likely perceive an opportunity when they visit Pirelli Stadium. Burton has a recent record of being defeated by lower-league teams in the FA Cup, including a 1-0 away loss to Barnet, then in the National League (two tiers below), during the first round of the 2020-21 season. They were also eliminated by League Two Grimsby Town in the third round in 2023. In contrast, their National League North opponents have secured five victories in their last eight matches across all competitions. The Seadogs, under the leadership of former Manchester United, Middlesbrough, and West Brom player Jonathan Greening, are confident they can compound the difficulties for the managerless Yellow and Black Army. National League South team Worthing is set to host Morecambe, who are struggling at the bottom of League Two with only one league win in 14 games. The Shrimps have experienced some success in cup competitions, winning both their EFL Trophy matches and reaching the FA Cup third round in three of the last four seasons. However, Morecambe was eliminated at this same stage in the 2018-19 season by non-league FC Halifax Town, who were then one division lower in the National League. Two tiers currently separate Morecambe from their opponents, Worthing, who are positioned fifth in the National League South. The Rebels have secured seven victories in their last eight matches across all competitions and have suffered only one defeat at Woodside Road this season, with a record of five wins and one draw. Worthing boss Chris Agutter commented to BBC Radio Sussex, stating, “To be honest, if I’m in Morecambe’s shoes, it’s a horrendous draw,” as his team aims to advance to the second round for the first time since 1982-83. He added, “We go into every game with the attitude of front foot, be aggressive, attack the game. It’s great to be welcoming a Football League club to Woodside. It’s a great opportunity for us to show what we can do and try and impress our game on the opposition and play on our terms. We back ourselves to be successful.” Current discussions surrounding Tranmere revolve around rapper A$AP Rocky’s unexpected interest in acquiring the club from joint owners Mark Palios and his wife Nicola. Oldham Athletic has only experienced one away defeat this season. However, another potential surprise could await the Rovers, who are currently 19th in League Two, having secured only three victories from their initial 13 matches. On Saturday, Nigel Adkins’ team will host Oldham Athletic, a National League side vying for promotion, at Prenton Park. Micky Mellon’s team has won eight of their last 10 matches across all competitions and has recorded only one away loss this season, with four wins and three draws. Tranmere’s last FA Cup defeat to lower-league opposition occurred in 2011, when they lost 1-0 at home to Cheltenham Town. At that time, Cheltenham Town was in League Two while Rovers were in League One. Considering the current form of both teams, the Latics may feel confident about their prospects of advancing to the second round draw. Charlton has been eliminated from the FA Cup by lower-league opposition in the last two seasons, a scenario manager Nathan Jones will aim to prevent this time. Had this match been scheduled four weeks ago, National League side Southend United might not have been considered a strong contender against League One’s Charlton Athletic. However, the Shrimpers have recently improved their form, securing three wins and one draw in their last four matches, after a period where they managed only two victories in their preceding 10 games (three draws, five losses). The Addicks arrive at Roots Hall unbeaten in five matches and are targeting promotion to the Championship this season. Nevertheless, Charlton is vulnerable to a ‘cupset’, having lost 2-0 away to League Two Gillingham in the second round last season and 3-1 in a replay at Stockport the year prior, with Stockport also being one division lower at the time. Two tiers separate these teams, but the significance of this gap on Saturday remains to be seen. Stockport’s ascent from the National League to League One over the last three years has been notable, but they must remain vigilant to prevent an FA Cup upset. This weekend, they host Forest Green Rovers, a National League team currently second in their table and in excellent form, at Edgeley Park. Steve Cotterill’s Green Army has secured 10 victories in their last 14 matches across all competitions and faces a formidable opponent positioned 39 league places above them. However, a potential source of optimism for Forest Green is that last season, County, then in League Two, suffered a 1-0 home defeat to non-league Aldershot Town.