Dagenham v Salford: National League side can put up a bold show

Free football tips, best bets and analysis for Dagenham & Redbridge v Salford City in the FA Cup first round on Monday

Where to watch

ITV4, 7.45pm, Monday

Best bet

Dagenham & Redbridge
1pt 12-5 general

Team news

Dagenham & Redbridge
Striker Paul McCallum is still suspended but Matt Robinson is back from a ban and Sam Ling should shake off a calf injury.

Salford
Gary Bowyer is expected to have a line-up similar to that which lost against Exeter after making changes for the EFL Trophy win over Leeds Under-21s

Match preview

Salford's high-profile ownership means they are always in with a good shout of having their early-round cup matches televised, but there is a decent chance they could be on the receiving end of a FA Cup shock at Dagenham & Redbridge on Monday.

The Ammies continue to garner plenty of focus with their list of ex-Manchester United stars taking such a prominent role at the club, but they have found life tough in League Two this term having just missed out on the playoffs last season.

The table has a congested look and Salford are seven points off the playoff places despite having won only four of their 15 matches, but recent defeats to top-of-the-table challengers Forest Green and Exeter suggests Gary Bowyer's side have a little way to go.

Heading to Essex, it is their away form that has to be the greatest cause for concern.

City fell to a defeat on penalties against Derby in another televised clash in the EFL Cup and it will worry former Blackburn and Blackpool boss Bowyer that they have lost six of their other seven matches on the road this term.

That success came against Colchester, who have won just two of eight matches on their own patch, so that suggests they could be vulnerable at Victoria Road if they are not on their game.

The campaign has been a tale of two halves for the Daggers, who have slipped to eighth in the National League after winning six of their opening eight matches.

It is a blow that leading goalscorer Paul McCallum will be unavailable after a suspension for a red card in the previous round at Wealdstone was extended and they are not in great form, winning just one of their last six games in the fifth tier.

However, they are strong on their own patch having lost one of their seven at their Essex base and their fine home goalscoring record extends back to the closing weeks of last term.

The fact Daryl McMahon's side surrendered a two-goal lead when they drew with Chesterfield in their last home game should also provide some motivation.

While the Daggers have not been in great touch, there is a chance that they have been too easily dismissed and they are worth chancing at the prices.