Expect Gateshead to set up in their usual 4-3-3, with a double pivot shielding the back four and a number ten pulling the strings between the lines. Their full-backs will push high, looking to overload Sutton's wide areas and whip crosses into the box. Sutton, as predicted, will sit in a 4-4-2, with two banks of four that are notoriously hard to break down. They'll look to funnel play wide, force Gateshead into crossing situations, and then clear their lines and spring the counter through their pacey front two. The midfield battle is where this game will be won or lost. Gateshead's trio should outnumber Sutton's central pair, and if they can move the ball quickly, they'll find pockets of space between the lines. Sutton's wingers will have to work tirelessly to track back and prevent the overloads. Set pieces could be a leveller — Sutton are a threat from dead balls, with their centre-backs coming up for corners, but Gateshead's height at the back should deal with most of what comes their way. The game state is likely to be Gateshead on the front foot, Sutton absorbing pressure and looking to nick something on the break.