Chattanooga Red Wolves vs Forward Madison - USL League One

The USL League One returns to the home ground on September 16, 2026, where Chattanooga Red Wolves and Forward Madison will lock horns in a contest that could shape their respective campaigns. That coronation came from City's £116m summer signing Elliot Anderson - and has been hotly debated in the build-up to the Manchester derby Super Sunday showdown at Old Trafford, which you can watch live on Sky Sports.

A glance at the USL League One table tells the story: Chattanooga Red Wolves in 6th and Forward Madison in 3rd, with positions to defend and places to climb. Chattanooga Red Wolves have been picking up results at a respectable clip, DWWLD over their last five with a season win rate of 50%. On their travels the visitors have been workmanlike, DWDWD in their last five and a win rate of 56% to show for it. One side has leaned on a miserly defence, the other on a free-scoring attack, and the meeting of those contrasting strengths promises an intriguing tactical subtext. The Reds continue to retain an interest in the midfielder Manu Kone and left-back Lewis Hall, while one remaining high-profile departure this summer could come in the form of Marcus Rashford.

How the two sides approach the contest strategically will be key. Chattanooga Red Wolves will want to control proceedings in front of their own supporters, while Forward Madison will back themselves to cause problems on the break. There is interest in adding another forward player who can play in one of those wide No 10 roles behind the striker in the 3-4-2-1 formation that Sage is expected to continue with at Selhurst Park.

Individual moments of quality could tip the balance. Both sides possess players capable of producing something out of nothing, and a single flash of brilliance may be all that separates them. How each side deals with the other's danger men — and who takes their chances when they come — will be central to the outcome. However, his contract expires in 2027, meaning the Czech midfielder could become a free agent if the club and player cannot agree on an extension.Alphonse Areola is also approaching the final months of his current deal.

The fixture has the feel of a coin-flip, and picking a winner with any conviction would require a braver pundit than most. Despite the home advantage enjoyed by Chattanooga Red Wolves, the weight of evidence favours Forward Madison — a 2-3 away win is the call. With positions in the USL League One table to defend and momentum to chase, neither side can afford to leave anything in the tank. A more central role appears likely given the sale of Youri Tielemans to Manchester United and the anterior cruciate ligament injury suffered by Amadou Onana at the World Cup.