The two pre-season favourites for the National League title do battle at Brunton Park in a mammoth clash in the title race. Just three points separate sixth place Scunthorpe and table toppers York, who are ahead of Carlisle and Boreham Wood on goal difference. Read our match preview and betting tips.
In 2023, Carlisle were in dream land, securing promotion to League One after a playoff final victory over Stockport County. Fast forward to 2026 and back-to-back relegations see Carlisle in Non League for the first time in 20 years. Managed by Mark Hughes, financially backed by the board and roared on by a large, passionate fan base, The Cumbrians were rightly installed as one of the Pre-season title favourites.
With six points separating the top six, all who are averaging more than two points a game, it looks to be the most thrilling title race the National League has ever seen. While Carlisle have superior spending and pulling power over the whole league, they have perhaps under performed expectations.
Dumped out the FA Trophy by Isthmian Premier Division side Chatham Town, Hughes knows it is promotion or bust as far as his managerial stint in Cumbria is concerned. However, he can take solace in his sides record at home, taking 30 points from 14. A reaction is a must after losing 5-0 to York in September.
Missing out on the title despite recording 98 points looked to have a knock on effect for York who were defeated by Oldham in the playoff semi-finals. A slow (ish) start to the season saw Adam Hinshelwood dismissed and Stuart Maynard hired as his replacement. The Minstermen sit top of the pack but will be wary of Rochdale, one point behind with three games in hand.
York have performed better on the road, picking up 28 points from 12, compared to 28 in 14 at home, winning their last four scoring at least twice in all four. They also boast the best attack in the league, scoring 66 goals, with Ollie Pearce scoring 23 of these- eight m0re than Matt Rush in second and more than Braintree have managed all season.
In Regan Linney and Ollie Pearce, the two best strikers in the league are set to face off. Add Josh Stones (York) and Georgie Kelly (Carlisle) as supporting casts, and this game has all the ingredients for goals. Of York's 12 away games, ten have seen BTTS, so there should be plenty of goals.
Prediction: Both Teams To Score and Over 2.5 Goals - 1.83
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