Slough Town vs Ebbsfleet United - National League - South

There is a notable edge to this National League - South fixture. When Slough Town meet Ebbsfleet United at the home ground on September 29, 2026, both will sense an opportunity to land a telling blow. The 74-year-old Hoops boss admitted that "it'll be a bit strange not having the (Celtic) fans in but I'm nervously and excitedly looking forward to it; it's a great fixture" and also spoke about the police visit.

There is plenty riding on this National League - South encounter for Slough Town and Ebbsfleet United alike, and neither will want to leave the home ground empty-handed. The hosts are desperate for a lift, with LLWLW in their last five and a win rate of 11.11% that underscores the size of the task facing them. On their travels the visitors have been workmanlike, WWDLW in their last five and a win rate of 50% to show for it. The contrast in attacking output — 1 versus 1.25 goals per game — adds an extra layer of intrigue. That result ended the European giants' 14-game unbeaten run in the competition, as Fede Valverde, Eduardo Camavinga and Jude Bellingham were contained by an "incredible" performance from a player barely anyone outside of France had heard of.

Set-piece efficiency could prove the difference on the night. Both Slough Town and Ebbsfleet United have invested time in dead-ball situations this season, and a single corner or free-kick may settle it. His all-action approach did not just suit the demands of Luis Enrique, it appeared to have a transformative effect on those around him, setting new standards in the forward line.

Star players on both sides will be eager to make their mark, and the individual duels across the pitch could go a long way to deciding the outcome. How each side deals with the other's danger men — and who takes their chances when they come — will be central to the outcome. Though they have cast their net to investigate deals for Chelsea striker Nicolas Jackson and Arsenal's Gabriel Jesus, too, per Sky in Italy.

Predicting an outright winner is no easy task given how little separates the two sides on paper. The signals point towards a stalemate, with the two sides closely matched across form and standings. A 1-1 draw is easy to envisage. With positions in the National League - South table to defend and momentum to chase, neither side can afford to leave anything in the tank. Harry Kane is the favourite to win the Ballon d’Or.