Coventry vs Maidstone tips and predictions: FA Cup fairytale to end for the Stones

The British public love a good ol' sporting underdog, with stories such as Luke Littler's run to the Darts World Championship final and Emma Raducanu's journey from US Open qualifier to champion capturing the nation's imagination.

Now the spotlight is well and truly shining on the largest town in Kent, as Maidstone are looking to become the first side ever from outside the top five tiers to reach the FA Cup quarter-finals.

This run has brought a script that Hollywood producers would die for, a club that was resigning from the Football League in 1992 and was relegated from the National League just a year ago could be taking their own place in English football folklore with another win here.

While they were dreaming of the likes of Manchester City and Liverpool heading into town, they were handed a trip to another Championship side, Coventry City, in the draw. 

Mark Robins' Coventry side have been in great form since the turn of the year as they look to make the Championship play-offs for the second consecutive season, they've only lost twice in 2024, a 2-1 defeat to fellow play-off hopefuls Norwich and Friday night's loss to Preston.

Since the brilliant victory at Ipswich, the Stones have picked up seven points in the league, but they lost their last game 2-0 at Aveley and also had Leicester loanee Paul Appiah sent off which will mean he'll miss this game through suspension.

However, Sam Corne will be one for the Sky Blues to watch as he has scored in the last three rounds, all games against Football League opposition, and he'll be determined to etch his name into the club's history books even further with another goal here. 

Another impressive thing about the National League South side's run to the fifth round has been their rock solid defence led by experienced goalkeeper Lucas Covolan, as they have only conceded three goals in the seven games they've had to play to get to this point. 

While the whole world and it's Nan will be supporting George Elokobi and his Maidstone side, Coventry will be no pushovers and will definitely go into the match as favourites.

Callum O'Hare has found form for the Sky Blues and could swing the game with his quality, as he has scored three goals in his two FA Cup games this season. 

The Sky Blues may be the pantomime villains in this one, but they should have too much for a Maidstone side who have enjoyed the ride.

I know, ever the pessimist, but lightning doesn't strike twice, does it?

Key stats

- This is the first competitive meeting between the two sides

- Only one non-league side has made it to the FA Cup quarter-finals, Lincoln City in 2017

- Coventry last made it through to the quarter-finals in 2009, when they lost 2-0 to eventual winners Chelsea

- Coventry have scored 11 in their three FA Cup games this season, with 10 of the coming at home

Suggested bets

Coventry asian handicap -2

Both teams to score

Over 3.5 match goals