Woking vs Altrincham - National League

The National League returns to the home ground on September 12, 2026, where Woking and Altrincham will lock horns in a contest that could shape their respective campaigns. He is expected to miss the Community Shield game against Arsenal and the opening Premier League fixture of the season as a result.

The standings paint a clear picture: Woking in 19th, Altrincham in 15th, and both keen to climb. The hosts have struggled for consistency, WLDLW in their last five pointing to a win rate of 28.57%. The visitors have been picking up results steadily, L over their last five with a campaign win rate of 42.86%. The contrast in attacking output — 1.29 versus 1.14 goals per game — adds an extra layer of intrigue. Tim Sherwood makes his predictions for the new Premier League season, including who he thinks will make the top four in the table.

Tactically, the contest promises a fascinating contrast. Woking will look to impose their style on home soil, while Altrincham are likely to have ideas of their own about how to gain the upper hand. Moving the Dane on frees up space and gives the Partenopei greater room to press ahead with their incoming transfer plans.

The fixture is likely to be shaped by its key performers, with creative midfielders and clinical finishers on both sides capable of turning the game in an instant. Set-piece specialists and aerial threats on both sides mean dead-ball situations could carry outsized importance. But this only highlights the gulf between Van Hecke and every other defender in the Premier League even more.

Without the market to lean on, the contest feels genuinely open — and the outcome may come down to which side handles the occasion better. Altrincham look well-equipped to take the points on the road, with a 1-2 victory well within their reach. With positions in the National League table to defend and momentum to chase, neither side can afford to leave anything in the tank. In terms of outgoings, Perri seems closest to an exit, but that will likely have to wait until Trafford's mandated holiday after the World Cup is over or a No 2 arrives.