Eastleigh and Shrewsbury eye a place in the FA Cup second round

Two clubs, one route forward

Eastleigh sit 17th in the National League with 19 points after 16 matches; Shrewsbury are 15th in League Two on 18 points after 14. Those positions belong to their respective leagues, but underline the different settings for this FA Cup tie. At stake at Silverlake Stadium is a place in the next round—and the chance to extend a cup run for Eastleigh or start one for Shrewsbury.

The first-round tie is a meeting between sides playing in different divisions, with Eastleigh seeking to make home advantage count against a League Two opponent.

League form and cup footing

Eastleigh’s last five league games have brought a win, a draw and three defeats, with a draw in their most recent outing. Shrewsbury have taken two wins and a draw alongside two defeats in their last five league matches, and most recently lost.

Eastleigh have already played once in this competition, winning and scoring three goals while conceding two. Shrewsbury have yet to play an FA Cup match this campaign, so Saturday’s tie is their entry point.

A chance to build on the first result

Eastleigh’s sole FA Cup outing offers a clear starting point: they won, but also conceded twice and kept no clean sheet. A repeat of their three-goal return would put them in a strong position to progress, though the defensive concessions show there is room for Shrewsbury to threaten.

For Shrewsbury, the opportunity is to make their first appearance in this competition count away from home. A win would put them into the next round and halt the momentum Eastleigh have built from their opening cup result.

Our prediction

Eastleigh’s home setting and their three goals in their only cup match give them a route to victory, while Shrewsbury’s league position shows they are competing one division higher. PreviaXI’s model leans towards the home side, with a narrow scoreline reflecting the chance of a close contest.