- Lewes have won one, drawn one and lost one of their opening three Isthmian Premier matches
- AFC Whyteleafe have taken one point from their first three Isthmian Premier fixtures
- Lewes are unbeaten in their last three league meetings with AFC Whyteleafe (2016/17 - two wins, 2017 - one draw)
Lewes to make a splash at the Dripping Pan
Lewes have begun their 2026-2027 Isthmian League Premier season in mixed fashion, but there are definite signs that Bradley Pritchard's men are finding their feet in Sussex.
The Rooks were well beaten in their opening game at Enfield Town, going down 4-0 to a well-drilled side, but followed up with a 0-0 draw at Whitehawk and then a 2-0 away win at St Albans City.
A sunny afternoon in Lewes with the Dripping Pan as a backdrop should suit a high-energy, attacking game of football and Lewes like to play on the front foot, pressing fluidly and switching the play when in possession.
Callum Newson made an instant impact for Lewes off the bench last week, scoring in added time at Clarence Park to give Lewes a 'puncher's chance' in the attack, while Josh Spinks' 2-0 strike at St Albans City shows they have the ability to score.
Whyteleafe in danger of being sucked into relegation dogfight
By contrast, AFC Whyteleafe are in danger of being drawn into a relegation battle after taking one point from their three opening games. Ennio Gonnella's team have been beaten by Carshalton Athletic and Burgess Hill Town prior to last Saturday's 2-2 draw at Wingate & Finchley.
It looks as though the 2026-2027 season may be too soon for the Leafe to make the next step up in the Isthmian League Premier, but their style of play hasn't really changed.
Gonnella's side are still an athletic team that plays a 4-3-3 formation, creating overloads and moving the ball quickly through the lines. Ryan Gondoh is the sort of player who can unlock a game with a piece of magic and his experience will be vital if Whyteleafe are going to get anything from this match.
Hosts have an edge but Leafe will be a threat on the counter
Montel McKenzie's red card at Burgess Hill Town is a blow to the visitors, but Moses Emmanuel still gives Whyteleafe another experienced forward, useful for turning their quick transitions into real chances. Lewes are a short price to win at 59/50 with Whyteleafe 179/100 and the draw 63/25. We are taking both teams to score at 51/100 because we think the hosts should edge this one at home, but don't see it being a stroll in the park for them. The Leafe will be a big threat on the break and we can see them causing problems if they get turned over by a Lewes team that likes to have the ball in the opposition half.
