Salford City vs Swindon Town Prediction, Match Preview, Saturday, 10 January

Salford City will face Swindon Town in an intriguing FA Cup clash this Saturday, 10 January, at the Peninsula Stadium. Both teams are eager to advance in this prestigious competition, making this encounter a significant test of their capabilities. Salford City, playing at home, will look to leverage their familiarity with the Peninsula Stadium to gain an edge over their opponents.

Swindon Town, on the other hand, will aim to upset the hosts and make their mark in this knockout stage. The FA Cup is renowned for its surprises, and both teams will be keen to progress further. With the stakes high, this match promises to be a compelling contest between two determined sides.

Salford City vs Swindon Town Prediction & Betting Tip

Betting Tip	Odds
Both teams to score	1.57

Given the attacking prowess and defensive vulnerabilities of both teams, our recommended betting tip is ‘Both teams to score’. This market offers good value at 1.57, reflecting the likelihood of an open, high-scoring match.

• Salford City’s recent home form in the tournament, with no losses in five matches, suggests they will find the net.
• Swindon Town have scored in five consecutive matches in this tournament, highlighting their consistent offensive threat.
• The historical head-to-head has seen both teams score in their last meeting, reinforcing the trend of high-scoring encounters.

Betting Odds

Salford City are stepping onto their home turf at the Peninsula Stadium as favourites with odds of 2.14, but do not count Swindon Town out just yet. With odds of 3.08, the visitors could offer a decent return if they manage to pull off a win.

Betting Tip	Odds
Salford City to win	2.14
Draw	3.44
Swindon Town to win	3.08

The draw is priced at 3.44, suggesting a closely contested match. For those considering alternative markets, both teams have shown potential in scoring, making the over 2.5 goals market worth a look.

Salford City Analysis & Past Performance

Salford City have demonstrated remarkable consistency in their recent performances, remaining unbeaten in their last five matches with four wins and one draw. This run has included a commanding 4-0 victory over Leyton Orient and a hard-fought 2-1 win against Barrow in their most recent outing, showcasing their ability to secure results both home and away.

Home Team	Away Team	Result	Competition	Date
Barrow	Salford City	1 – 2 (Win)	League Two	1 Jan 2026
Salford City	Fleetwood	0 – 0 (Draw)	League Two	29 Dec 2025
Salford City	Harrogate Town	1 – 0 (Win)	League Two	26 Dec 2025
Barnet	Salford City	1 – 3 (Win)	League Two	20 Dec 2025
Salford City	Colchester	4 – 3 (Win)	League Two	13 Dec 2025

Recent Form:
Salford City’s attack has been impressive, averaging 2.00 goals per game in their last five fixtures, while their defence has recorded two clean sheets. Despite a slight vulnerability, having conceded in three of these matches, their ability to outscore opponents has been a significant strength. At home, they maintain a solid record with three wins, one draw, and a single loss in their last five home games.

Team Dynamics:

• WDWWW

The team’s dynamics are bolstered by standout performances from Kelly N’Mai, who has been a pivotal figure in their attacking play. Salford City have shown a balanced blend of offensive vigour and defensive resilience, which has been critical in maintaining their strong league position. Their ability to adapt and overcome challenges, both tactically and physically, makes them a formidable opponent in upcoming fixtures.

Salford City Suspensions & Injuries

Salford City approach their match against Swindon Town with the advantage of having no players sidelined due to injuries or suspensions. This full availability allows manager Karl Robinson to deploy his preferred starting eleven without the need for makeshift solutions, which could be a significant advantage in maintaining tactical consistency and squad morale.

With a complete squad at his disposal, Robinson can focus on strategising against Swindon Town’s strengths and weaknesses rather than worrying about filling gaps left by unavailable players. This might lead to a more aggressive and dynamic approach, potentially incorporating high pressing and quick transitions to capitalise on their full-strength lineup.

The absence of injuries also means that Salford City’s depth remains intact, allowing for impactful substitutions that can change the course of the game. Players like Cole Stockton and Daniel Udoh, who have been part of the recent lineup, can be pivotal in the attacking phases, supported by a stable midfield and defence.

In terms of betting implications, the full squad availability might suggest a stronger performance from Salford City, possibly leading to favourable odds for a home win. However, Swindon Town’s form and tactical setup will still play a critical role in the match outcome.

Salford City Key Players

Salford City’s attacking prowess this season is spearheaded by their top scorer, Kelly N’Mai, who has netted 2 goals. N’Mai’s dynamic playing style and ability to find space in the box make him a constant threat to opposition defences. His knack for being in the right place at the right time is vital for Salford City’s offensive strategies. He is expected to lead the line with support from creative midfielders and wingers.

The midfield will likely be orchestrated by a key playmaker whose vision and passing range can unlock defences. Their ability to dictate the tempo of the game and transition from defence to attack will be crucial in controlling the match against Swindon Town. In defence, Salford City rely on a solid backline to keep things tight at the back and provide a platform for attacking moves.

Expected lineup for Salford City

Salford City Tactics and Formation

Salford City Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: Expected 4-4-2
• Key Forward: Cole Stockton
• Midfield Pivot: Jorge Grant and Josh Austerfield
• Defensive Strength: Recent success with one clean sheet in the last two matches
• Notable Strategy: Strong pressing and quick counter-attacks.

Salford City have been operating effectively under Karl Robinson’s guidance, employing a 4-4-2 formation that allows them to maintain a balanced approach both offensively and defensively. The partnership of Jorge Grant and Josh Austerfield in central midfield is pivotal, providing both defensive cover and creative outlets.

Defensively, the backline, featuring Oliver Turton and Adebola Oluwo, has shown resilience, conceding only once in their last away match against Barrow. This solidity has been crucial in maintaining their recent form, contributing to their ability to secure clean sheets.

Offensively, Salford City focus on exploiting the wings with Rosaire Longelo and Kelly N’Mai, while forwards Cole Stockton and Daniel Udoh are tasked with converting chances. Their high pressing game aims to disrupt opponents’ build-up play, creating opportunities for quick transitions and counter-attacks.

Swindon Town Analysis & Past Performance

Swindon Town have been demonstrating strong form, securing four wins from their last five matches. Their recent results showcase a commendable level of performance, including a decisive 2-0 victory over Gillingham and a commanding 3-0 win against Bristol Rovers.

Home Team	Away Team	Result	Competition	Date
Swindon Town	Gillingham	2 – 0 (Win)	League Two	1 Jan 2026
Cheltenham	Swindon Town	0 – 2 (Win)	League Two	29 Dec 2025
Milton Keynes Dons	Swindon Town	1 – 0 (Loss)	League Two	26 Dec 2025
Swindon Town	Crawley	1 – 0 (Win)	League Two	20 Dec 2025
Bristol Rovers	Swindon Town	0 – 3 (Win)	League Two	13 Dec 2025

Recent Form:

• WWLWW

Swindon Town’s attack is in fine form, averaging 1.60 goals per game over their last five fixtures. Defensively, they have been robust, conceding only 0.20 goals on average per match and keeping four clean sheets in this period. Their away form remains solid, with three wins out of five, reflecting a win ratio of 0.60 on the road. This balance between offensive efficiency and defensive stability is a key strength for the team.

Swindon Town Suspensions & Injuries

Swindon Town head into their FA Cup clash against Salford City with a full squad available, which is a significant advantage. The absence of injuries and suspensions allows manager Ian Holloway to field his strongest side without any forced changes. This full availability could be pivotal, especially when facing a determined Salford City team on their home turf.

With no unavailable players, Swindon Town have the luxury of maintaining their preferred tactical setup. This could mean a continuation of their recent formation and strategy, which has been effective in their league fixtures. The presence of key players like Connor Ripley in goal and Ollie Palmer up front ensures that Swindon Town can focus on their attacking game plan without any defensive compromises.

The lack of injuries also means that Swindon Town’s bench will be strong, providing Holloway with a variety of tactical options during the match. This depth could prove decisive in managing the game’s tempo and making strategic substitutions if needed.

From a betting perspective, Swindon Town’s full-strength squad might tilt the odds slightly in their favour, highlighting the importance of squad depth and consistency in crucial cup ties. Bettors may view Swindon Town as a more reliable option given the stability their full squad brings to this encounter.

Swindon Town Key Players

Swindon Town’s attack will be spearheaded by their top scorer, Aaron Drinan, who has netted 3 goals this season. Drinan’s ability to find space and exploit defensive gaps makes him a constant threat to Salford City’s backline. His finishing prowess and positional awareness are vital for Swindon Town as they seek to capitalise on any opportunities that arise during the match.

In the midfield, the focus will be on the creative playmaker who orchestrates Swindon Town’s attacks. Their role is crucial in linking the defence and the forward line, ensuring smooth transitions and creating goal-scoring opportunities. The midfield’s ability to maintain possession and distribute the ball effectively will be key to Swindon Town’s tactical approach.

Defensively, Swindon Town rely on a solid backline that must be organised and disciplined to counter Salford City’s attacking threats. The defenders’ ability to read the game and make timely interceptions can thwart the opposition’s advances, providing a stable platform for the team to build on. Overall, Swindon Town’s key players will need to perform at their best to secure a positive result.

Swindon Town Tactics and Formation

Swindon Town Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: 4-4-2
• Key Forward: Aaron Drinan
• Midfield Engine: Gavin Kilkenny and Darren Oldaker
• Defensive Strength: Four clean sheets in the last five games
• Notable Strategy: Strong defensive setup with quick forward transitions.

Swindon Town’s 4-4-2 formation has been a cornerstone of their recent success, providing a balanced approach between attack and defence. Aaron Drinan, as the leading forward, offers a reliable target up front, supported by Ollie Palmer, who adds physicality and presence in the box.

In midfield, Gavin Kilkenny and Darren Oldaker form a dynamic partnership, combining defensive responsibilities with the ability to initiate attacks. Their role is pivotal in maintaining possession and linking up play with the forwards.

Defensively, Swindon Town have demonstrated remarkable solidity, achieving four clean sheets in their last five matches. The defensive trio of Will Wright, Ryan Tafazolli, and Filozofe Mabete have been instrumental in this, providing resilience and composure at the back.

Offensively, Swindon Town rely on rapid transitions, often seeking to exploit the opposition’s vulnerabilities with swift counter-attacks. This tactic has been particularly effective, as seen in their recent 2-0 victory over Gillingham.

Salford City vs Swindon Town Head-to-Head Record

The head-to-head record between Salford City and Swindon Town is perfectly balanced, with both teams winning 3 matches each and drawing 4 times in their last 10 encounters. Their most recent meeting saw Salford City edge Swindon Town 3-2 at the Peninsula Stadium in a League Two clash.

This upcoming FA Cup fixture marks a change from their usual league battles, adding a fresh twist to their rivalry. The last time Salford City hosted Swindon Town, they came out on top with a 3-2 victory, suggesting a potential edge at home.

Home Team	Away Team	Score	League	Date
Salford City	Swindon Town	3 – 2	League Two	2025-09-20
Swindon Town	Salford City	2 – 2	League Two	2025-03-04
Salford City	Swindon Town	2 – 1	League Two	2024-10-22
Swindon Town	Salford City	1 – 1	League Two	2024-02-10
Salford City	Swindon Town	2 – 2	League Two	2023-10-21