Sunday's FA Cup predictions including MK Dons vs. AFC Wimbledon

MK Dons vs. AFC Wimbledon (Sunday, 12.30pm)

The true definition of a grudge match, bitterest rivals MK Dons and AFC Wimbledon collide in a mouthwatering FA Cup first-round tie at Stadium mk on Sunday lunchtime.

Only two points are separating the adversaries in the middle of the League Two pack, although the hosts have enjoyed better fortunes in the fourth tier of late.

We say: MK Dons 2-1 AFC Wimbledon

Expect Sunday's intriguing affair to partially live up to the pre-match billing, as goals are flowing into both nets whenever MK Dons take to the field, while Wimbledon gave a terrific account of themselves at Port Vale.

However, the hosts are more in-form, more well-rested and are seldom outfought at home to Wimbledon, so we expect Lindsey's men to exact revenge for September's loss and progress to round two.

Sutton vs. Birmingham (Sunday, 12.30pm)

Looking to cause an early upset in this competition, Sutton United of the National League will welcome League One Birmingham City to Gander Green Lane for a first-round clash in the FA Cup on Sunday afternoon.

The U's are battling away in the fifth tier during the 2024-25 campaign, whilst Blues are threatening to run away from the chasing pack in the third tier.

We say: Sutton United 0-2 Birmingham City

Despite the gulf in class between the two sides, Sutton are likely to make the contest a challenging one for League One leaders Birmingham.

Blues will be able to control the ball on the artificial surface at Gander Green Lane, and should earn passage into the second round if they can avoid a full-blown battle.

Curzon Ashton vs. Mansfield (Sunday, 2.00pm)

Sixth-tier side Curzon Ashton will be hoping to upset League One team Mansfield Town when they host them on Sunday in the first round of the FA Cup at Tameside Stadium.

The home side are fourth in the National League North with 26 points from 13 matches and occupy a promotion playoff spot, while the third-tier visitors are fourth in League One with 24 points after 12 games and beat Newcastle United U21s 3-0 on Tuesday in the EFL Trophy.

We say: Curzon Ashton 1-3 Mansfield Town

Given the calibre of opposition, it is difficult to see how Curzon can progress into the next round of the FA Cup.

Additionally, Mansfield have been one of League One's strongest sides this season, and it would not be surprising if they emerged victorious on Sunday.

Boreham Wood vs. Leyton Orient (Sunday, 2.00pm)

National League South side Boreham Wood are set to take on League One's Leyton Orient at Meadow Park on Sunday for the first round of the 2024-25 FA Cup.

The hosts are heading into this match without a win in their last three outings, while the visitors have won just one of their last eight matches across all competitions.

We say: Boreham Wood 1-3 Leyton Orient

The visitors are undoubtedly the favourites heading into this match, given they compete three divisions higher than their hosts, and we expect the O's to comfortably win this one.

Harrogate vs. Wrexham (Sunday, 3.30pm)

Wrexham will travel to Wetherby Road on Sunday to take on Harrogate Town with an FA Cup second-round spot on the line.

The visitors will bid to progress through this stage for the third consecutive season, having reached the second round in each of the last two campaigns, while their hosts have also advanced to the second round in each of their last four attempts.

We say: Harrogate Town 0-2 Wrexham

While Parkinson may shuffle his pack to maintain freshness throughout the squad, Wrexham should still have far too much for a Harrogate Town side who are struggling going forward, with the Red Dragons boasting strength in depth across the pitch.