Gateshead v Charlton predictions: FA Cup clash could see plenty of goals

Free football tips, best bets and analysis for Gateshead v Charlton Athletic in the FA Cup second round on Friday.

Where to watch

ITV4, 7.45pm Friday

Best bet

Over 3.5 goals
1pt 6-5 Paddy Power, Betfair

Match preview

The second round of the FA Cup kicks off with League One Charlton making the long journey to take on National League North side Gateshead.

The Tynesiders were on the brink of extinction two years ago but have bounced back under new ownership. Player-manager Mike Williamson is one of a number of ex-Newcastle players in the Heed squad and has steered his side to within touching distance of the top of the sixth tier.

Gateshead have already played six FA Cup ties this season and secured an away win at Altrincham from the league above to make it into the pot for the second round.

Williamson’s men will be aiming to match their record run to the third round in 2014-15, when they were beaten 7-0 by West Brom.

Visitors Charlton have turned around their campaign with five wins from their last eight games under new manager Johnnie Jackson after a poor start to the season saw Nigel Adkins depart.

The Addicks played a strong team in the last round and were rewarded with a comfortable 4-0 win over Havant and Waterlooville.

As with that game, there could be plenty of goals under the lights when these two meet. Gateshead’s six FA Cup ties this season have produced 27 goals, an average of 4.5 per game.

Charlton have been beaten only once in 22 games against non-league opposition in the cup, but the side three tiers below could play their part in a high-scoring encounter.

Key stat

Gateshead's six FA Cup ties this year have produced 27 goals.

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