Eastleigh vs Sutton Utd - National League

The history between Eastleigh and Sutton Utd lends this National League fixture an extra layer of spice, and when the two walk out at the home ground on March 24, 2026, recent encounters will be on everyone's mind. Enzo Maresca verdict on Michael Carrick and Manchester United fixture issue - 'you need to adapt'.

Both camps will view the National League meeting at the home ground as an opportunity to put a marker down, regardless of where they currently stand. The hosts have been steady if unspectacular, DLDWW in their last five reflecting a win rate of 42.86%. The visitors have been a steady presence on the road, LLLWW in their last five and a campaign win rate of 57.14%. The contrast in attacking output — 1.29 versus 1 goals per game — adds an extra layer of intrigue. Sky Sports columnist Laura Hunter analyses the big talking points from the first round of Women's Super League matches, bringing you closer to the key stories at the heart of the women's game.

The tactical subplot is compelling: Eastleigh favour a possession-based game built on patience and control, while Sutton Utd are happiest sitting deep and exploding forward on the counter — a classic contrast of philosophies. His passing display at the World Cup was yet more evidence of his suitability for City and the possession-heavy style Maresca favours.

Game-changers are scattered across both line-ups, and the contest may well be decided by which side's match-winners deliver on the day. Set-piece specialists and aerial threats on both sides mean dead-ball situations could carry outsized importance. United's scouts allegedly believe he has the potential to become a top-level centre-forward.

Without the market to lean on, the contest feels genuinely open — and the outcome may come down to which side handles the occasion better. A share of the spoils looks the most probable outcome, with neither side holding a decisive edge — a 1-1 draw feels like a fitting result. With positions in the National League table to defend and momentum to chase, neither side can afford to leave anything in the tank. And Fonseca does not place too much weight on the decision of Roberto Martinez to omit him from the World Cup squad in favour of his Benfica team-mate Tomas Araujo.