- AFC Fylde won the National League North title in 2025-26 and are looking to continue that momentum in the National League
- Wealdstone's most recent five pre-season fixtures are: won 3, drawn 0, lost 2.
- Fylde's recent form was strong and ruthless.
Wealdstone have a recent edge in this fixture
AFC Fylde start their 2026-27 National League season with what should be a really good matchup against Wealdstone on Saturday, and the hosts can set the tone for the campaign with a win in this one. Fylde won the National League North title last season, finishing up with a massive 100 points and sealing promotion with a 4-2 victory over Merthyr on the final day.
Gary Waddock has brought stability to Wealdstone since taking over in February 2026 and while he has been pragmatic by nature, he has not shied away from playing on the front foot when the opportunity has presented itself.
That's a similar approach that Craig Mahon has taken with Fylde since returning to the National League, and he has been able to generate a strong momentum within the club by moving quickly to put them in a position where they can challenge for promotion.
Fylde can open up a strong-looking Wealdstone
Backing Fylde to win at 99/100 is my main selection for this one, with Wealdstone available at 221/100 and the draw at 5/2. It's a tough call as there is a case for both, but the hosts have the home advantage and the added boost of having just won the title and they'll look to stamp that authority on the National League right from the off.
Wealdstone will try to control the tempo in this game as they have plenty of control in the midfield and structure, but this fixture could well turn into a clash of pace vs patience with Fylde able to break with pace. Fylde's football has been all about getting wide quickly, pressing the ball and then breaking in transition when they win it back.
A lot of attacking craft in both of these sides
Both teams to score is favourable at 53/100 and over 2.5 goals at 31/50 also seems a good price in what looks to be a relatively even fixture. This is a game that should suit open football, and with the weather likely to be sunny and mild in Wesham it should suit the visitors who have enough craft to cause problems. Danny Ormerod was Fylde's main man last term, finishing as the club's top scorer with a high-20s haul, and he will remain the team's biggest threat in the penalty box.
Luca Thomas gave Fylde a double-digit scoring edge, and he'll push the wide players up another level, while Enzio Boldewijn brings his experience and craft in the final third and gives Wealdstone the proven attacking spark. Dante Baptiste is Wealdstone's rock at the back, trusted for shot-stopping and calm distribution across the season.
Micah Obiero has been one of Wealdstone's sharper attacking outlets in pre-season, including a goal in pre-season, and he is likely to be a key part of their gameplan. The Stoner's pre-season has been mixed but it has been entertaining and the Stones have shown they can take down EFL opposition (MK Dons and AFC Wimbledon) but they've also slipped up against lower-league sides so this looks likely to be a tight opening day game.
Corey Whelan was Fylde's captain as they surged to the title, he'll be the leader in the dressing room and the team's first line of defence. I'm going for a Fylde win, but it won't be a long one, as the momentum of that title push should carry them through and a home draw would be the next most likely outcome.
