Leamington vs Curzon Ashton on 24 January
On January 24, 2026, Leamington will face Curzon Ashton at the Phillips 66 Community Stadium in a crucial National League clash. Both teams are embroiled in the fight for mid-table stability, but the outcome of this match could shift their respective trajectories as they look to close the gap on the playoff spots. With Leamington pushing for a top-half finish and Curzon Ashton fighting to keep themselves away from relegation, this encounter promises to be a hard-fought battle. The weather forecast suggests mild conditions, with no rain expected, ensuring a dry surface for the players to showcase their tactical prowess.
Leamington: Tactical Approach and Current Form
Leamington's recent form has been inconsistent, with 2 wins, 2 losses, and 1 draw in their last five matches. Their primary tactical setup revolves around a compact 4-3-3 formation, emphasizing controlled possession and quick transitions when the ball is won. The team relies on their wingers to stretch the opposition’s defense, allowing the full-backs to push forward and support attacks. Leamington averages 55% possession, with a pass accuracy of 81%, demonstrating their focus on maintaining control in the middle third and dictating the tempo. Their pressing is intense in the final third, with the team winning 8.5 tackles per match and forcing 4.5 turnovers in the attacking half.
Key player to watch is midfielder Ethan Freeman, who has been the engine behind their build-up play. Freeman's creativity and vision are crucial in unlocking defenses, and he has been involved in 6 goals this season (3 goals, 3 assists). Defender Callum Wood's leadership and aerial dominance will be vital in ensuring defensive stability, particularly during set-pieces. However, Leamington will be without their top scorer, Alex Nicholson, who is suspended for this match, a blow to their attacking options.
Curzon Ashton: Tactical Approach and Current Form
Curzon Ashton have been on a solid run of form, with 3 wins and 2 losses in their last five games, which has seen them move slightly away from the relegation zone. Their 4-4-2 formation is built around a robust defensive structure and swift counter-attacks. They prefer to absorb pressure and exploit spaces left by their opponents, relying on the pace of their wingers and the physicality of their forward pairing. Curzon Ashton's defensive resilience has been key, with the team averaging 17.5 clearances per match and conceding only 1.2 goals per game in their last five fixtures.
Forward James Hooper has been in great form, scoring 4 goals in his last 5 matches. His ability to hold up the ball and bring others into play will be critical for Curzon Ashton’s attacking strategy. The midfield duo of Alex Ogden and Paul McDermott provide the necessary balance between defensive solidity and creativity. However, Curzon Ashton are missing key defender Ryan Lawler due to injury, which could weaken their defensive line, particularly against the aerial threat of Leamington’s forwards.
Head-to-Head: History and Psychology
In their last five encounters, the record between these two sides is evenly matched, with 2 wins for Leamington and 2 wins for Curzon Ashton, alongside 1 draw. These recent clashes have been tightly contested, with most of the games being decided by a single goal. In their last meeting earlier this season, Curzon Ashton triumphed 2-1 at home, with Leamington’s only goal coming in the dying minutes. The psychological edge here is with Curzon Ashton, who have demonstrated a more resilient mentality in recent months, especially in tight matches.
Key Battles and Critical Zones
The most pivotal battle will likely occur in midfield, where Leamington’s Ethan Freeman will face off against Curzon Ashton’s Alex Ogden. Freeman's ability to dictate the tempo and create chances will be crucial, but Ogden's aggressive pressing and tactical discipline could stifle Leamington's offensive flow. Additionally, the battle in the air will be another critical factor. Leamington's Callum Wood will need to dominate aerial duels against Curzon Ashton’s towering striker, Hooper, who poses a significant threat from set-pieces and crosses.
The most critical area of the field will be the wings. Leamington’s wingers, if they can isolate Curzon Ashton’s full-backs, could find space to deliver dangerous crosses into the box. On the flip side, Curzon Ashton’s wide players, using their pace, could exploit the space left behind by Leamington’s full-backs when they push forward. The team that wins the battle on the flanks will likely gain the upper hand.
Match Scenario and Prediction
The match is expected to be a tight and tactical affair, with both teams focusing on solid defensive play while looking for moments of quality in attack. Leamington, despite the absence of Nicholson, will dominate possession and look to build from the back, while Curzon Ashton will sit deeper and attempt to catch them on the counter. Set-pieces could prove crucial, with both teams likely to target the aerial duels in the box. Given Curzon Ashton’s solid defensive record and Leamington’s missing offensive firepower, a 1-1 draw seems the most likely outcome, with both teams scoring from set-pieces or fast breaks.
Final Thoughts
With both teams fighting for crucial points, this encounter promises to be a tactical battle full of intrigue. The result could hinge on how Leamington cope without their leading scorer and whether Curzon Ashton can make the most of their counter-attacking opportunities. Will Leamington's possession game overpower Curzon Ashton's counter-attacks? Or will the visitors find a way to exploit the gaps left in Leamington's defense? The match will answer these questions and could prove pivotal for both sides' ambitions this season.
