Salford City will begin their FA Cup campaign on Monday night as they travel to Dagenham and Redbridge in the first round (19:45).
The tie sees Gary Bowyer’s side make the trip to East London to face a Dagenham side from the National League, in a game that will be broadcast live on ITV4 and through the ITV Hub.
Salford though must be wary to avoid a cup upset – the Daggers are the top scorers in the National League and currently sit in eighth place, two points off the playoffs.
Photo Credit: David Ingham/Wikipedia https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Victoria_Road_-_Carling_Stand.jpg
They have only lost once at home all season, but did let a two goal lead slip to draw at home to Chesterfield last weekend.
The Ammies, despite their disappointing league campaign so far, will go into the tie as favourites and will be buoyed by Tuesday night’s 5-3 success over Leeds United U23s in the EFL Trophy.
KEY MOMENTS 🔑
Late lunchtime viewing? Re-watch all 8️⃣ goals and the best chances from last night’s Papa John’s Trophy group stage win against Leeds United U21s!#WeAreSalford 🦁🔴 pic.twitter.com/pc8fbzxvjd
— Salford City FC (@SalfordCityFC) November 3, 2021
Gary Bowyer put out a strong line up for that game, and it is expected that he will go with the strongest team he has available for this game as well, despite a number of injuries.
Tuesday’s hat-trick hero Brandon Thomas Asante is expected to once again lead the line, but Aston Villa loanee Tyreik Wright will be missing due to being on international duty with the Republic of Ireland U21s.
Well done @TyreikWright who has received another international call-up for the Republic of Ireland U21s 👏#WeAreSalford 🦁🔴 https://t.co/jR5yjmMwYW
— Salford City FC (@SalfordCityFC) November 3, 2021
The side will be lead by captain Jordan Turnbull, who is wary of the threat the Daggers possess.
He said: “You see it every year in the FA Cup, call it upsets or surprise results.
“We’re not a million miles away from Dagenham in terms of league position, so we’re aware its going to be a very tough game, going away as well, it’s going to be a long couple of days with overnight stays so we need to make sure we prepare properly and go there with the right mentality.
Image Credit: Salford City FC Charlotte Tattersall
“They’re obviously a high scoring team, we need to be ready and switched on, especially us defenders at the back.
“Hopefully though we can put in a good performance and get through to build some momentum up to take in the league then.”
Turnbull, 27, has previously played in The FA Cup for the likes of Coventry City and Northampton Town, but is yet to taste success in the competition.
He said: “It’s a massive competition, everyone wants to do well in the FA Cup.
“I’ve played in it for quite a few years now, but I’ll be honest I’ve never really been to many further rounds than we’re in now.
“I’ve not had a great record but hopefully this year we can put it right and go on a bit of a run, a lot of players have played against big teams and managed to get through a few rounds it’s definitely something I want to do this season.”
The Ammies bowed out of the competition at Newport County in the second round last season, the joint furthest the club has ever been.
A win at Victoria Road on Monday would see City back in this round. A win then would see the Ammies into the third round where they could face a Premier League team such as Manchester United or Liverpool.
An ideal tie for the club would be Manchester United away at Old Trafford, something that Turnbull admits would be a dream.
He explained: “I’m a big Man United supporter so to play them would be brilliant. Away at Old Trafford would be a dream come true! I think a few of the lads would be in the same boat with that one so it’s a big incentive to get through the rounds.”
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