Wealdstone play host to Sutton United on Tuesday evening looking to get their first point on the board in the new National League campaign.
In sharp contrast, the visitors head into this contest having started their opening season back in the fifth tier with a two-game unbeaten run.
Match preview
© Imago
After ending last season with a burst of wins that ensured that they retained their National League status, Wealdstone had momentum heading into 2024-25.
However, beginning this campaign with back-to-back defeats has left Matt Taylor with much to ponder, aware that a relegation battle could materialise.
Some context should be taken with Wealdstone only going down 2-1 to Dagenham & Redbridge in a game where they conceded the pivotal goal with nine minutes left.
The Royals then lost 1-0 to Oldham Athletic courtesy of an 85th-minute goal, perhaps an indication that fitness or concentration has played its part in the setbacks.
Wealdstone now welcome one of the pre-season favourites to Grosvenor Vale with the need to deliver a big performance to ease any concerns of a prolonged stay in the lower echelons.
Sutton are naturally aiming far higher having dropped out of the EFL, yet they cannot afford to get ahead of themselves in what will be a competitive division.
They required a last-gasp equaliser to earn a 1-1 draw at fellow division newcomers Tamworth on the first weekend before really stamping their authority in the following fixture versus Altrincham.
Four goals were scored during a 17-minute period prior to half time, setting the Us well on their way to a 5-0 triumph at Gander Green Lane.
As it stands, that is only enough to see Steve Morison's team sit in fourth position in the table, yet that matters little at this stage as they focus on keeping points ticking over.
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Team News
Christian Scott will miss out for Wealdstone having been sent off after being introduced as a substitute against Oldham.
Micah Obiero could potentially be brought back into the team on the right flank, but the remainder of the side may stay the same.
Barring any fitness issues, Morison appears likely to select the same Sutton XI that blitzed their way past Altrincham.
Ashley Nadesan got on the scoresheet after being introduced from the substitutes' bench, but Will Davies should keep his spot down the middle of the attack.
Winger Josh Coley has netted in each of the opening two games, the first also coming as a replacement.
Wealdstone possible starting lineup:
Matthews; Cesay, Cook, Mariappa, Georgiou; Obiero, Dyer, Kretzschmar, Boldewijn; Ashford, Sandat
Sutton United possible starting lineup:
Arnold; Jackson, Muller, French, Vaz; Boateng, Simper, Harris, Odelusi, Coley; Davies
We say: Wealdstone 1-2 Sutton United
With Wealdstone performing respectably enough in defence, Sutton may not have things their own way. Nevertheless, we feel the visitors should have enough quality in the final third to secure maximum points, maintaining their early momentum in the process.
For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.
Darren Plant
