King of Stats: The big digits as FA Cup drama is about to begin

With the FA Cup first round just around the corner, we’ve called on the King of Stats to assist the punters who have been drawn in by the magic at this early stage.

16 – Altrincham are the undoubted kings of the giant-killing; the non-league side have dumped out no less than 16 league clubs in their history, which is the record for a club playing outside England’s top four divisions. Back them at 11/2 to add Burton to their list of league conquests.

3 – One of the sides struggling for form in League One – MK Dons – have a strong record in the early rounds of this competition and shouldn’t fear an upset at Cambridge. They haven’t conceded a goal in the first round of the FA Cup for three seasons in a row now and are priced at 7/1 to beat Cambridge 3-0.

8 – Up until their last game, Dorchester had won eight Blue Square South home games on the bounce, conceding just four goals in that time. They’re a good price at 10/3 to beat League Two strugglers Plymouth and advance to the second round.

17 – The number of games which Sheffield United have gone without losing in all competitions this season, though eight of them have been drawn. A price of 12/5 says Bristol Rovers can force a replay at the Memorial Stadium.

12 – Since Eddie Howe’s return to Bournemouth his side have gone from one win in 13 to three in four, netting 12 goals in the process. This has seen their price to beat Dagenham and Redbridge – who have won just one of eight away games this season – shorten to 4/7.

1 – This is the number of wins Bury have managed in 2012/13 to date in 17 attempts. However, the home side has prevailed in four of the last six renewals with Exeter, which includes two FA Cup wins for the Shakers; it’s available at 1/1 to happen again here.

8 – Notts County have not lost a single away day in eight this season, collecting five wins and, although they have been poor at home, they recorded a 3-0 win over Portsmouth at Meadow Lane in early League One exchanges. Back the Magpies to record their second victory over Portsmouth of the campaign at 17/10.

13 – In their last three clashes with non-league opposition, Carlisle have been merciless. They’ve notched 13 goals in these games, conceding just one when Grays earned a 1-1 draw at Brunton Park. Back them to beat Ebbsfleet heavily – they’re 12/1 to win 4-0.

All odds and markets accurate as of publication’s time and date