- History: Worthing are making their first ever appearance in England's top non-league division.
- Odds: Carlisle are 1.44 favourites for the game while Worthing are 5.63 with a draw at 4.4.
- Market: Over 2.5 goals and Both Teams To Score – Yes are both favoured in the market at 1.47 and 1.61 respectively.
No previous meetings, no pre-season pressure for Carlisle
Brunton Park should be buzzing for the opening-day clash that doubles as Worthing's first ever away trip in England's National League and the visitors will be desperate to make a mark on their historic promotion season.
2025–26 National League South champions, Worthing are unbeaten in pre-season, recording a 1–0 win over QPR U21s before taking on draws against Frome Town and AFC Bournemouth U21s. Adam Hinshelwood's side are compact, organised and good with the ball, carrying the momentum of their title-winning campaign into the new campaign.
The Bees locked in their promotion with a 2–0 win over Ebbsfleet United and should be able to provide a decent test for Carlisle United, who finished 3rd in the 2025–26 National League and reached the play-off semi-final, showing they were already one of the division's big hitters.
Worthing won’t be a sitting duck
Tactics and identity
Rob Elliot has instilled a front-foot, high-intensity identity upon Carlisle this season, with the side pressing hard in the opponent's half and attacking with pace on the counter.
Late-season form and pre-season
They were very solid in the second half of last season, winning their final regular-season games with a 3–0 victory over Brackley Town and a 1–0 success against Truro City.
Pre-season has seen a 2–0 defeat to Salford City and a 4–2 victory away at Darlington, while they were edged in extra-time by Boreham Wood in the play-offs.
Key players
David Ajiboye brings pace and directness to the Carlisle attack while Miguel Azeez offers a spark of creativity and an eye for late boxes.
Regan Linney will be a livewire, having scored in pre-season and always offering a threat in the final third.
With Georgie Kelly offering a proper No. 9 target up top, Carlisle should be the more likely winners and, although they're the heavy favorites, the home result looks the most likely.
Head-to-head clash looks to favour hosts
These two sides have never faced each other in a competitive game before, but the clash of styles should be tasty. Carlisle will try to squeeze the game high up the pitch, while Worthing will look to stay disciplined and nick it on the break.
A Carlisle win with over 2.5 goals is my selection here as it has to happen for the home side to win and 2–0 or 2–1 are the most natural scorelines.
- Brad Dolaghan is the headline threat for Worthing after his 23-goal Golden Boot season in 2025–26 while Wiktor Makowski adds goals and assists.
- Joel Colbran and Remiero Moulton can offer some incision from the wide positions in the National League.
