The 2025/26 Carabao Cup kicks off with a preliminary round clash between two Northern English clubs, Accrington Stanley and Oldham Athletic. This encounter at the Crown Ground is more than just a cup tie; it’s a regional derby and an early season test for both sides. Accrington Stanley, who finished low in League Two last season, will be looking to start their new campaign with a home victory. Oldham Athletic, fresh off their promotion back to the Football League from the National League, will be aiming to make a statement and continue their positive momentum under manager Micky Mellon.
The winner of this match will secure a place in the first round proper of the Carabao Cup, where they will face Peterborough United. With both teams having a tough season ahead in League Two, a cup run could provide a much-needed morale boost and a financial windfall. Given the proximity of the clubs and the rivalry, expect a feisty and competitive atmosphere, with both managers likely to field strong squads despite the cup fixture congestion.
Match Details
- Competition: Carabao Cup Preliminary Round
- Location: Accrington, England
- Stadium: Crown Ground (Wham Stadium)
- Date: Tuesday, August 5, 2025
- Kick-off Time: 2:45 PM ET / 7:45 PM BST
- Indian Time (IST): 12:15 AM IST (Wednesday, August 6, 2025)
- Referee: N/A
Head-to-Head & Form Guide
The historical head-to-head record between Accrington Stanley and Oldham Athletic shows a relatively balanced rivalry. Accrington Stanley have been victorious in three of the last four games against their opponents, with the most recent encounter in August 2021 ending in a penalty shootout victory for Oldham in the same competition. This history, along with the recent form of both teams, sets the stage for an unpredictable and closely contested match.
Accrington Stanley:
Accrington Stanley’s pre-season has been a mixed bag of results, culminating in a 1-1 draw against Gillingham in their League Two season opener. Despite the draw, the team showed promise, with Ged Brannan’s side demonstrating a solid performance. With several key players missing due to injury, the cup tie presents an opportunity for squad players to step up and make an impression. Young talents like Josh Smith and Isaac Sinclair, who performed well in the league opener, could be crucial to the team’s chances.
- August 2, 2025: Accrington Stanley 1–1 Gillingham (League Two)
- July 26, 2025: Accrington Stanley 4–1 Rotherham United (Club Friendly)
- July 19, 2025: Accrington Stanley 2–4 Wigan Athletic (Club Friendly)
- July 15, 2025: Accrington Stanley 1–1 Everton (Club Friendly)
Oldham Athletic:
Oldham Athletic are riding a wave of confidence after their promotion back to the Football League. Their season started with a respectable goalless draw against MK Dons, a team expected to compete at the top of the league. Manager Micky Mellon has built a squad with a strong defensive foundation and has made some eye-catching summer signings. The team’s recent form, including their playoff victory and a series of solid pre-season results, suggests they are well-prepared for the challenge. Key players to watch include returning defender Will Sutton and creative forward Josh Hawkes, who will be keen to get on the scoresheet.
- August 2, 2025: MK Dons 0–0 Oldham Athletic (League Two)
- July 26, 2025: Oldham Athletic 0–1 Bradford City (Club Friendly)
- July 19, 2025: Dundee United 0–0 Oldham Athletic (Club Friendly)
- June 1, 2025: Oldham Athletic 3–2 Southend United (National League Play-Off Final)
Tactical Analysis & Key Players
Expect this match to be a tight and physical affair, typical of a lower-league English cup tie. Accrington Stanley will likely seek to dominate the midfield and use the home advantage to pressure Oldham’s defense. However, they may need to be wary of the pace of Oldham’s counter-attacks. Oldham, on the other hand, will focus on maintaining their defensive discipline and looking for opportunities to exploit any weaknesses in the Stanley backline. The battle between the two managers’ tactical approaches—Brannan’s emphasis on youth and attacking flair versus Mellon’s focus on a solid defense—will be the key narrative of the match.
How to Watch Accrington Stanley vs. Oldham Athletic on TV, Live Stream
| Country | TV/Live Stream |
|---|---|
| United Kingdom | Sky Sports Football, Sky Sports+ |
| United States | Paramount+, CBS Sports Golazo Network |
| India | N/A |
In the United Kingdom, the match will be broadcast live on Sky Sports. In the United States, viewers can find the game on Paramount+ and CBS Sports Golazo Network. For other regions, check local sports broadcasters or streaming services, such as club-specific platforms, which may offer live audio commentary or international streaming services. A VPN may also be a viable option for international viewers.
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Mobile & PC | Auto Quality
