Aveley vs Leatherhead - Non League Premier - Isthmian

The Non League Premier - Isthmian returns to the home ground on September 12, 2026, where Aveley and Leatherhead will lock horns in a contest that could shape their respective campaigns. It has not been a daunting fixture list but there are signs that Mourinho has found a way to get the best from an increasingly stacked Madrid squad.

Aveley head into the contest positioned 11th in the Non League Premier - Isthmian standings, while Leatherhead arrive sitting 7th. Aveley have been picking up results at a respectable clip, L over their last five with a season win rate of 42.86%. The visitors have been picking up results steadily, W over their last five with a campaign win rate of 57.14%. The contrast in attacking output — 1.86 versus 2 goals per game — adds an extra layer of intrigue. If you're Arsenal and wanting to win the Premier League, and you take six points off those teams, then you're near-on winning the Premier League.

How the two sides approach the contest strategically will be key. Aveley will want to control proceedings in front of their own supporters, while Leatherhead will back themselves to cause problems on the break. Schalke were third bottom for possession in winning the second tier, let alone facing Bayern.

Neither side is short on individuals capable of tilting the balance, and the duel between the two squads' chief creators could prove particularly pivotal. Set-piece specialists and aerial threats on both sides mean dead-ball situations could carry outsized importance. Everton also want to sign a striker as they search for a more consistent source of goals with neither Thierno Barry nor Beto delivering on that front so far.

Without the market to lean on, the contest feels genuinely open — and the outcome may come down to which side handles the occasion better. The numbers tilt towards Leatherhead, and a 2-3 away win looks the more probable outcome. Whatever the outcome, the Non League Premier - Isthmian fixture promises a meaningful contest with real implications for both clubs. Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player Liverpool's midfield wasn't great last year but I expect Florian Wirtz to have a better season, 100 per cent.