Novara vs Athletic Carpi - Serie C - Girone A

Season-defining implications hang over this Serie C - Girone A clash at the home ground, where Novara host Athletic Carpi on September 20, 2026 knowing the result could shape the run-in for both clubs. How smooth can you be when receiving the ball, how quickly can you move from the back foot, hips open, face forward and find quality with the pass.

Positionally there is a clear hierarchy: Novara sit 12th, Athletic Carpi lie 11th, but the Serie C - Girone A has a habit of defying such logic. The hosts are desperate for a lift, with DLDDD in their last five and a win rate of 20% that underscores the size of the task facing them. The visitors have been hard to predict on their travels, LWDL in their last five reflecting a win rate of 25%. Where Novara have built their campaign on solidity, Athletic Carpi have often chased flair, and that fundamental difference should make for compelling viewing. 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.

Stylistically, this is a compelling matchup. Novara favour a patient, possession-based approach, whereas Athletic Carpi are at their most dangerous when allowed to hit quickly on the counter. Everton are aware of interest from Saudi Pro League club Al Hilal, but there has been no formal approach or contact with them, and they have no appetite to sell the 26-year-old, who has three years on his deal.

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. The battle in midfield, where both sides look to control tempo, could prove the decisive arena. But with United in need of a new top central midfielder, an Express Sport poll of United supporters have voted for Tchouameni to be their next signing, with 32% respondents wanting the Frenchman to join.

Predictions are tricky when the sides are this evenly matched, and small margins — a moment of quality, a slice of luck — could decide it either way. Athletic Carpi look well-equipped to take the points on the road, with a 1-2 victory well within their reach. With the standings tight and form on the line, this is a fixture neither side will want to lose. 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.