Gateshead vs Braintree Prediction

Alright, settle in with your pint, because we've got a proper relegation scrap down in the National League on Wednesday night. Gateshead are hosting Braintree, and if you're looking for a game with goals, drama, and two teams desperate for points, this is your ticket.

Now, Gateshead, bless 'em, are having a torrid time of it. Sat second-bottom with just 26 points from 33 games, they've been leaking goals like a rusty bucket – 20 in their last ten matches alone. Their home form? Don't even ask, mate. They've lost three of their last four at their own gaff, conceding 2.5 goals a game. They did manage a mad 4-4 draw with Morecambe recently and nicked a couple of away wins at Truro and Halifax, but at home they've been about as solid as a chocolate teapot.

Braintree aren't exactly pulling up trees either – they're 21st with 33 points – but compared to Gateshead, they look like Brazil at the minute. They've picked up 1.2 points per game in their last ten, and here's the kicker: they've got the Indian sign over Gateshead. In nine meetings, Braintree have won five and Gateshead have won just once. Even better for the travelling fans, Braintree have never lost at Gateshead – three wins and a draw in four visits. Their away form's not half bad either, with two wins in their last five on the road, including a 3-2 thriller at Truro last time out.

Both teams are finding the net lately – Gateshead's attack is actually trending upwards despite their woes, and they scored four against Morecambe – but neither can defend to save their lives. With goal expectancies suggesting nearly four goals between them, we're in for a lively one.

Key Points:

• Gateshead have lost 75% of their last four home games, conceding 2.5 goals per game on average

• Braintree have won five of the last nine meetings and are unbeaten in four visits to Gateshead (3 wins, 1 draw)

• Gateshead have kept zero clean sheets in their last ten matches, conceding exactly 2 goals per game

• Braintree have won 40% of their last five away games and scored in 60% of them

• Both teams show improving attacking trends but remain defensively vulnerable

The Verdict:

The bookies have Gateshead as favourites at 1.91, which seems bonkers to me given their home record and Braintree's dominance in this fixture. At 3.30, the away win is cracking value for a side that knows how to beat this lot. Braintree to nick it in a game with goals.