Chelmsford City v Braintree Town: FA Cup Predictions
13515Tyler Smith
An enthusiastic sports writer with a passion for Football, American Sports and Formula 1, bringing sharp insight and informed betting analysis to every weekend.
Published Date: October 28, 2025 11:15 AM
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The historic magic of the FA Cup returns to the Melbourne Stadium this Saturday as Chelmsford City welcome Braintree Town in a local derby that captures everything this competition stands for. For Chelmsford, a fixture against regional rivals in the First Round proper is more than just another game — it’s an opportunity to harness momentum from their qualifying rounds and ignite a memorable cup run at home. Braintree Town arrive as challengers, eager to prove their mettle and perhaps upset the odds in what promises to be a passionate encounter.
Chelmsford will carry the confidence of home advantage and the backing of their fans as they look to build on their recent form in non-league play. The Clarets’ route to the First Round has seen them clear earlier hurdles with determination, and manager Angelo Harrop has stressed the importance of seizing the moment: “It’s going to be an incredible occasion,” he said. Meanwhile, Braintree Town will view this as a chance to make a statement. The visitors have shown resilience this season in the National League, and although they must travel, they will aim to stick to their game plan and frustrate the hosts before pouncing.
What adds real spice to this fixture is not just the cup setting but also the narrative of rivalry and local pride. Both clubs operate in Essex and their supporters know each other well, making this tie more than just about progression — it’s a matter of bragging rights. With the cameras rolling and national attention coming via live broadcast on TNT Sports and Discovery+, the occasion will feel bigger than the sum of its parts. For supporters of both sides, this weekend’s meeting is a chance to create memories — whether that’s a cup upset or a celebrated home victory.
Chelmsford vs Braintree - FA Cup
Chelmsford Win
Reason for Tip
I was shocked when I looked at the odds that you are getting close to 7/1 on a Chelmsford City win. For those that dont know, Chelmsford have recently transitioned into a full time professional team, have invested lots of money and bought players well above the ranks they currently are including Lyle Taylor, Jack Barham, Joe Grimwood and many others. While they find themselves 15th in the National League South, this is only natural in my opinion with a new manager, completely new side, staff and setup. Things take time to mould, but the foundations are there to be successful.
On the other hand, we look at Braintree Town. Braintree have been in the National league for a few seasons now and it was now Chelmsford manager Angelo Harrop who got them there with a spirited campaign. The tall and short of it is that Braintree are happy to survive at that level, with limited money and resources to push on further. The operate on a small squad, loans and local lads to keep them moving forward. Ex football league powerhouse John Akinde leads the line with an ex Colchester United contingent behind them in Chay Cooper, Marley Marshall Miranda and on loan CB/LB Frankie Terry, Nephew of Chelsea legend John Terry.
This is a local derby and out of the last 5 games, Chelmsford have won 3 of them, 1 draw and a Braintree win. In the 11 total games, Chelmsford have won 7, with 4 draws and just the 1 Braintree win.
So based on historical stats, data and information on the narrative of both sides, we are taking the Chelmsford City win and the upset here at close to 7/1.
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🔍 Recent Form & Context
Chelmsford City arrive at the Melbourne Stadium buoyed by a successful qualifying campaign for the FA Cup, having secured their place in the First Round proper and built some momentum in recent matches. Their home record is solid for their level and the stakes are high: a cup win not only brings prestige but also financial reward and local bragging rights. Braintree Town, meanwhile, enter as the travelling challengers. Although the visitors may have fewer recent highlights, their ability to raise their game in knockout competition gives them nothing to lose. With both clubs based in Essex, the local rivalry adds extra spice and an emotionally charged atmosphere for players and supporters alike. The tie is more than just progression—it’s a chance for either club to write a memorable chapter in their season.
🩺 Team News & Key Players
Chelmsford’s squad will look to lean on experience and home-advantage; their manager has likely prioritised freshness and tactical unity ahead of this fixture. Key attacking and creative players—those who have delivered in the qualifying rounds—will need to step up. On the defensive side, keeping clean sheets will be vital given the do-or-die nature of the cup tie. Braintree Town will travel with belief, knowing that an upset could define their season. Their manager will likely pick a side geared for compact shape and discipline, trusting in players who can handle the midfield battle and cause trouble on transitions. Watch for their top attacking outlet (the forward who has racked up the most minutes recently) to be given a chance to make a mark on a bigger stage.
⚙ Tactical Outlook & What to Watch
Tactically, Chelmsford are expected to set up to dominate possession and push from the front—particularly at home. They will aim to take the initiative and force Braintree into uncomfortable situations, leveraging the familiarity of their surroundings and the momentum of home support. Conversely, Braintree are likely to adopt a more cautious approach: staying compact, defending deep, and looking to exploit any mistakes or counter-attack opportunities. Set-pieces and transitions may prove decisive—especially if Chelmsford push numbers forward and leave space behind. Key match-ups to watch include Chelmsford’s wide attackers versus Braintree’s full-backs, and the midfield duel which could determine who controls tempo. The tie may hinge on one moment of quality or a lapse in concentration.
Chelmsford City to win:
I was shocked when I looked at the odds that you are getting close to 7/1 on a Chelmsford City win. For those that dont know, Chelmsford have recently transitioned into a full time professional team, have invested lots of money and bought players well above the ranks they currently are including Lyle Taylor, Jack Barham, Joe Grimwood and many others. While they find themselves 15th in the National League South, this is only natural in my opinion with a new manager, completely new side, staff and setup. Things take time to mould, but the foundations are there to be successful.
On the other hand, we look at Braintree Town. Braintree have been in the National league for a few seasons now and it was now Chelmsford manager Angelo Harrop who got them there with a spirited campaign. The tall and short of it is that Braintree are happy to survive at that level, with limited money and resources to push on further. The operate on a small squad, loans and local lads to keep them moving forward. Ex football league powerhouse John Akinde leads the line with an ex Colchester United contingent behind them in Chay Cooper, Marley Marshall Miranda and on loan CB/LB Frankie Terry, Nephew of Chelsea legend John Terry.
This is a local derby and out of the last 5 games, Chelmsford have won 3 of them, 1 draw and a Braintree win. In the 11 total games, Chelmsford have won 7, with 4 draws and just the 1 Braintree win.
So based on historical stats, data and information on the narrative of both sides, we are taking the Chelmsford City win and the upset here at close to 7/1.
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11 Matches:
Chelmsford Wins – 7
Draws – 3
Braintree Wins – 1
Chelmsford vs Braintree - FA Cup
Chelmsford Win
Reason for Tip
I was shocked when I looked at the odds that you are getting close to 7/1 on a Chelmsford City win. For those that dont know, Chelmsford have recently transitioned into a full time professional team, have invested lots of money and bought players well above the ranks they currently are including Lyle Taylor, Jack Barham, Joe Grimwood and many others. While they find themselves 15th in the National League South, this is only natural in my opinion with a new manager, completely new side, staff and setup. Things take time to mould, but the foundations are there to be successful.
On the other hand, we look at Braintree Town. Braintree have been in the National league for a few seasons now and it was now Chelmsford manager Angelo Harrop who got them there with a spirited campaign. The tall and short of it is that Braintree are happy to survive at that level, with limited money and resources to push on further. The operate on a small squad, loans and local lads to keep them moving forward. Ex football league powerhouse John Akinde leads the line with an ex Colchester United contingent behind them in Chay Cooper, Marley Marshall Miranda and on loan CB/LB Frankie Terry, Nephew of Chelsea legend John Terry.
This is a local derby and out of the last 5 games, Chelmsford have won 3 of them, 1 draw and a Braintree win. In the 11 total games, Chelmsford have won 7, with 4 draws and just the 1 Braintree win.
So based on historical stats, data and information on the narrative of both sides, we are taking the Chelmsford City win and the upset here at close to 7/1.
Chelmsford City Predicted Lineup:
Haigh, Ronan, Longe-King, Grimwood, Barbrook, Odusanya, Holmes, Remy, Adigun, Castiglione, Taylor
Braintree Town Predicted Lineup:
Thompson, Pinnington, Langston, Francis-Clarke, Terry, Marshall-Miranda, Vennings, Kamara, Cooper, Works, Akinde
No fluff. No gimmicks. Just solid tips — delivered straight to you.
UK
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The match is being shown live on TNT Sports 1 and 3.
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It’s also available via Discovery+ in the UK.
🌍 International
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Outside the UK, the match is listed on beIN SPORTS (for example in certain international markets).
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For many regions, you’ll need to check your local FA Cup broadcaster or streaming partner.
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Chelmsford vs Braintree - FA Cup
Chelmsford Win
Reason for Tip
I was shocked when I looked at the odds that you are getting close to 7/1 on a Chelmsford City win. For those that dont know, Chelmsford have recently transitioned into a full time professional team, have invested lots of money and bought players well above the ranks they currently are including Lyle Taylor, Jack Barham, Joe Grimwood and many others. While they find themselves 15th in the National League South, this is only natural in my opinion with a new manager, completely new side, staff and setup. Things take time to mould, but the foundations are there to be successful.
On the other hand, we look at Braintree Town. Braintree have been in the National league for a few seasons now and it was now Chelmsford manager Angelo Harrop who got them there with a spirited campaign. The tall and short of it is that Braintree are happy to survive at that level, with limited money and resources to push on further. The operate on a small squad, loans and local lads to keep them moving forward. Ex football league powerhouse John Akinde leads the line with an ex Colchester United contingent behind them in Chay Cooper, Marley Marshall Miranda and on loan CB/LB Frankie Terry, Nephew of Chelsea legend John Terry.
This is a local derby and out of the last 5 games, Chelmsford have won 3 of them, 1 draw and a Braintree win. In the 11 total games, Chelmsford have won 7, with 4 draws and just the 1 Braintree win.
So based on historical stats, data and information on the narrative of both sides, we are taking the Chelmsford City win and the upset here at close to 7/1.
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