Stafford vs Grimsby Preview & Prediction | 2026-27 English FA Cup | First Round
by Trystan Pugh ·
Click here for today’s sports betting tips from our expert analysts!
Stafford host Grimsby on Sunday lunchtime in a first round contest in the 2026-27 FA Cup.
Kick-off date/time:
How to watch on TV: UK – TNT Sports / USA – ESPN+
How to watch online: UK – HBO Max / USA – ESPN+
Stafford vs Grimsby prediction
For Stafford Rangers, this is the biggest day in years. The club have reached the first round proper for the first time in 20 years, and the tie has been picked for live coverage on TNT Sports. They are second in Northern Premier League Division One West, three levels below the National League, with 33 points from 14 games, and have scored plenty through Jack Birch, who has 11 goals overall.
The qualifying run has been remarkable, starting with a 5-0 win over Tividale and a 2-1 win over Matlock Town, then victories over Northampton ON Chenecks (3-0) and Hereford (3-2). They then needed replays to get past Halesowen Town (1-1, 2-1 away) and National League side Gateshead, whom they beat 5-0 in front of a sell-out crowd after drawing 1-1 away. They are not completely solid at the back, though, having lost 5-3 at Lower Breck on Halloween before a 1-0 win at Congleton Town.
Grimsby Town are sixth in League Two and have a good recent cup record, reaching the quarter-finals in 2022-23 and the fourth round last season, but they were beaten by non-league Wealdstone in this round in 2024-25, so they know the dangers. They are capable of big scores, having beaten York City 5-2 and won 4-1 at Gillingham in recent weeks, although they also lost at Port Vale and at home to Northampton earlier this month. The Mariners should have too much, and with Stafford shown to be capable of scoring and conceding, we are expecting more than two goals.
Stafford vs Grimsby tip: Grimsby to win & over 2.5 goals
