The League Two side are in a strong league position coming into the festive period for the second consecutive year. The downfall that befell the Saddlers last season should hopefully put them in better stead for the remainder of this season with the learning that they took from it.

They seem sturdier this time around, and I believe that if they can display that characteristic at the Gateshead International Stadium, then that should be enough to see them to the third round.

The reason that I say that is because Gateshead have been almost comically loose defensively this season. They have conceded 50 goals in 21 league matches, the highest tally in the National League, and their recent form has been dire.

Indeed, their last win and last clean sheet came in this competition at Wimbledon, but since then they have lost 0-4 to York, 0-2 to Solihull Moors, 1-3 to Forest Green, 0-3 to Boreham Wood, 0-3 to Leeds U21, and 2-4 to Sutton United, and confidence must be at a very low ebb.

There is the danger that this match could be freedom from the dire National League situation, but Walsall showed at Eastleigh in the last round that they can stand up to that ‘big match’ attitude from non-league sides well, and their recent away record of four wins in a row in all competitions is confidence-inspiring.

This looks like a great bet here.

First of all, Cup matches always feel good for a BTTS bet as well know that it is a one-match knockout so there is nothing to lose. When a team falls behind they will go for it to try and turn things around to get in the hat for the next round.

With these two clubs in particular, Blackpool have a strong recent history of BTTS landing. Four of their last six matches have seen BTTS land, but as the odds on favourites for this match they are heavily odds on to score as part of that.

The value therefore comes from if you expect Carlisle to score, and I do expect that. They have been good in front of goal this season, scoring 39 in 21 league games, almost two per match, indeed they have scored in 11 consecutive matches.

Just as importantly, Blackpool have been giving chances away regularly. They are bottom of the League One table for expected goals against, so there is plenty of opportunity for Carlisle.