Brackley vs. Notts County Prediction, Odds & Betting Tips

The magic of the FA Cup is set to light up St James’ Park in Brackley this Saturday as National League side Brackley Town prepare to host League Two outfit Notts County in a classic first-round fixture that epitomizes the romance of the competition. This clash between non-league underdogs and their professional counterparts from a division above promises drama, passion, and a potential cup upset. For football fans and bettors alike, this guide provides an in-depth analysis, prediction, and key betting tips for the encounter.

Match Overview and Team News

The match is scheduled for Saturday, November 1, 2025, with a 5:30 PM GMT kick-off at Brackley’s home ground, St James’ Park. The fixture will be broadcast live on BBC Two, BBC iPlayer, Discovery+, the BBC Sport Website, and TNT Sports 3, ensuring fans won’t miss a moment of the action.

This match represents a significant step up in competition for Brackley Town. Playing in the National League, they sit 17th in their division and face a Notts County side that is fifth in League Two, demonstrating strong form in the professional football pyramid. The gulf in divisions, and recent form, makes this a challenging prospect for the home side.

Brackley Town: Team Preview and Current Form

Brackley Town, known as the Saints, have had a difficult run leading up to this tie. Their form has been a primary concern, with the team failing to secure a win in their last five matches across all competitions. Even more alarming is their struggle in front of goal, having failed to score in any of those five fixtures.

Their recent results paint a clear picture:

• 25 Oct: Lost 2-0 away to Southend United
• 22 Oct: Drew 1-1 at home with Everton U21
• 18 Oct: Drew 0-0 at home with Gateshead
• 15 Oct: Won 6-2 at home against Woking (FA Cup Qualifying)
• 04 Oct: Lost 2-0 away to FC Halifax Town

The 6-2 victory over Woking in the FA Cup qualifying round stands out as a dramatic anomaly in an otherwise barren spell. This suggests that while Brackley can summon a potent performance on their day, particularly at home in the cup, they have been plagued by inconsistency and a lack of cutting edge. Connor Hall is the team’s top scorer with three goals, while Gareth Dean leads in assists with one.

Notts County: Team Preview and Current Form

In stark contrast, Notts County, nicknamed the Magpies, arrive at St James’ Park in impressive form. Managed by Luke Williams, the team is unbeaten in their last five matches, a run in which they have scored 10 goals. They have won four of these five fixtures, showcasing both their resilience and attacking threat.

Their recent results highlight their confidence:

• 25 Oct: Won 2-0 at home against Cambridge United
• 22 Oct: Drew 2-2 away to Swindon Town
• 18 Oct: Won 1-0 away at Barnet
• 04 Oct: Won 3-1 at home against Oldham Athletic
• 30 Sep: Won 2-1 at home against Barnsley

This strong run has been built on a solid attack, with the team scoring two or more goals in four of their last five outings. Key players to watch include Matthew Dennis, the team’s top scorer with six goals, and Tom Iorpenda, who has provided three assists. While their away form has been slightly more mixed with three losses in their last six away games, they have recently secured a clean sheet victory on the road at Barnet, which will boost their confidence for this trip.

Table: Recent Head-to-Head & Cup Form

Tactical Analysis and Key Stats

A deeper dive into the statistics reveals the tactical battle we can expect on Saturday.

• Attacking Prowess vs. Offensive Struggles: The difference in attacking output is the most significant factor. Notts County averages 1.59 goals per game across their season. Brackley Town, meanwhile, has managed only 10 goals in 15 National League games this season, the lowest tally in the division.
• Defensive Solidity: Notts County has also been the more reliable defensively. They have conceded an average of 1.18 goals per game. Brackley has conceded at a similar rate (1.06 per game), but their inability to score puts immense pressure on their defense.
• Style of Play: Statistically, Notts County tends to dominate possession, averaging 56% ball possession compared to Brackley’s 45%. They also launch more total attacks per game (86.71 vs. 79.41). This suggests that Notts County will likely control the tempo and flow of the game, forcing Brackley to adopt a deep and resilient defensive block, looking to hit on the counter-attack or from set-pieces.
• Home Cup Comfort: Despite their league struggles, Brackley has a strong record in the FA Cup, remaining unbeaten in seven of their last eight matches in the competition. This “cup magic” at their home ground cannot be discounted and is a key reason for considering them capable of getting on the scoresheet.

Brackley vs. Notts County Prediction

Match Winner Prediction

After analyzing the form, statistics, and divisional gap, the overwhelming conclusion is that Notts County will win this match.

The Magpies’ superior quality, combined with their current momentum and Brackley’s profound goal-scoring difficulties, is too great to ignore. While the home side will be inspired by the occasion and their strong cup pedigree, the logical outcome is for the professional side to progress. Notts County’s recent 1-0 away win at Barnet proves they can travel and get the job done with a professional performance.

Correct Score Prediction

The most likely correct score is 2-0 to Notts County.

This prediction aligns perfectly with the key trends: Notts County’s ability to score multiple goals and Brackley’s recent inability to find the net. A 2-0 scoreline reflects a controlled away performance, where County’s quality eventually breaks down a stubborn Brackley resistance without reply. Other plausible scorelines include 1-3 or 1-2 to Notts County if Brackley manages to capitalize on a set-piece or a counter-attack to get a consolation goal.

Betting Tips and Odds Analysis

For those looking to place a wager on the game, here are the most insightful tips based on the available data.

Main Betting Tips

1. Notts County to Win (Match Result): This is the most straightforward and confident pick. The odds for this outcome are generally around 1.68 to 1.73, reflecting their status as clear favorites. Given the form guide, this represents solid value.
2. Notts County -1 (Asian Handicap): For those seeking better odds, this is an excellent alternative. This bet wins if Notts County wins by two or more goals. It pushes (results in a stake returned) if they win by exactly one goal. With odds around 19/10, it’s a valuable pick given the expectation of a comfortable win.
3. Under 3.5 Total Goals: While Notts County is expected to win, a goal-fest is not anticipated. Brackley’s defensive record isn’t catastrophic, and their main priority will be to stay in the game. With odds around 1/2, this is a safer bet for including in an accumulator.

Alternative Betting Tips

• Both Teams to Score – No: Given that Brackley have failed to score in five of their last eight matches and in their last five consecutive games, backing at least one team not to score (in this case, Brackley) is a strong possibility.
• Over 2.5 Goals: Some models, however, predict Over 2.5 goals with a 71% probability, largely banking on Notts County’s attack being too strong. This is a viable, if slightly riskier, alternative.
• Half-Time/Full-Time – Notts County/Notts County: Backing the Magpies to be winning at both half-time and full-time offers attractive odds and is feasible if their quality tells early on.

Table: Summary of Betting Tips and Odds

Final Thoughts

The FA Cup is renowned for its unpredictability, and the pressure of a one-off cup tie can sometimes level the playing field. Brackley Town’s impressive unbeaten streak in the FA Cup and their home advantage provide a glimmer of hope for a historic upset.

However, logic and statistics point firmly towards a Notts County victory. The combination of their excellent recent form, potent attack, and Brackley’s prolonged goal drought makes it difficult to foresee any other outcome. Look for Luke Williams’ side to manage the game professionally, ultimately overwhelming their non-league opponents with their superior quality and confidence.

Please remember to gamble responsibly. Only bet what you can afford to lose, and ensure you are aware of the terms and conditions of any bookmaker you use. The odds mentioned are subject to change.