**These two literally just drew 1-1 a few weeks back, so expect déjà vu energy** — except this time there's silverware on the line and both sides have shown they can turn up the chaos. 🏆

Dagenham's form is patchy (2W 1D 2L), while Waltham Abbey swings wildly between bludgeoning Brantham 7-0 and getting destroyed 1-7 by Leyton Orient. The last meeting ended level, so this screams competitive and scrappy.

Key storylines:

- **Dagenham's midfield balance** — A. Tamplin and G. Marsh need to control the tempo and shield the back four from Waltham's unpredictability
- **Waltham's attack vs reality check** — B. Stevenson and B. Baker can't afford another flat performance after the Leyton Orient humbling
- **Set-piece danger** — both teams sit deep, so corners and free-kicks could be the difference in a tight cup tie

Expected lineups:

- **Dagenham & Redbridge**: N. Ashmore, L. Vincent, H. Hawkins, J. Bateson, J. Addae, A. Tamplin, G. Marsh, A. Papadopoulos, H. Beautyman, A. Carroll, D. Rodari
- **Waltham Abbey**: B. Robinson, A. Read, A. Eyoma, C. Taylor, C. García, A. Laurent, C. Barker, I. Galliford, A. Mema, B. Stevenson, B. Baker

Prediction:

**Dagenham & Redbridge 2–1 Waltham Abbey**

Home edge and league experience give Dagenham a slight lean in a tight, scrappy cup tie. 📍