- Sutton United are unbeaten in four of their last five pre-season games, including wins over Folkestone Invicta, Horsham and Tonbridge Angels.
- Woking have a mixed pre-season form with a win against Sholing (2-0) but losses to Reading, Braintree Town and Portsmouth.
- Sutton last played Woking in the National League in May 2025, drawing 1-1, having beaten Woking 2-1 away in September 2024.
Opening day clash could go Sutton’s way
With both Woking and Sutton United starting the 2026-2027 National League season on zero points, this opening-day matchup could be all about momentum and bragging rights as much as anything else. And with the hosts on the back of a 1-0 defeat at home to FC Halifax Town last term, a defeat brought about by a late own goal, this opener may be all about settling old scores.
Sutton come into the game in lively form, unbeaten in four of their five pre-season friendlies, and they will be looking to take full advantage of the uncertainty that still hangs over the home camp. Chris Agutter's men play front-foot football, high-press football, and have built their system around a 4-2-3-1 base. They can be extremely effective on the transition, which could be where this game is won or lost, as they are capable of breaking with great speed and accuracy.
Sutton have a few more than a handful of quality players, Noah Nzuzi being one of them, after the talented forward scored against Folkestone Invicta last time out and is coming into the opener in good form. Josh Osude adds another cutting edge up top, while Lewis Simper and Temi Babalola can provide craft and movement between the lines. Sutton's record against Woking also looks good, as the U's have 50 wins to Woking's 27 with 11 draws in the all-time fixture list on the match pack.
Woking will be wary of visitors
Woking are more hybrid in shape, under the interim leadership, as they like to compact and press compact, but also like to play vertically and shift shape to create chances. Harry Beautyman is the heartbeat of the team, Aiden O'Brien offers a direct threat up front, and Will Jääskeläinen will need to command the backline.
Josh Kelly is another name to watch, as his return could add more punch to a home team that has been lacking a bit in that regard of late. Woking's pre-season has been a mixed bag, with a 2-0 victory against Sholing sandwiched by three consecutive defeats to Reading (1-0), Braintree Town (1-0) and Pompey (3-1).
The odds favour the visitors, but it's fair to say they are favourite odds, as Sutton are set at 87/100 and Woking are 251/100, with the draw at 129/50. We're going to side with Sutton here, as the visitors appear more settled and ready for the new season, but we're keeping it close as Woking have the home advantage and the interim-boost for this game.
