PRE-MATCH REPORT

THE STORY SO FAR
There’s rivalry… and then there’s Armada vs Nechells Athletic. One of the most anticipated fixtures on the calendar, this isn’t just another league game – it’s a battle for bragging rights, local pride, and momentum in the early stages of the 2025/26 season.

Last time these two titans clashed, Armada FC walked away with a thumping 4-1 win on Nechells’ turf – a dominant display of pace, power, and precision that stunned the hosts and delighted the Armada faithful.

Now the battleground shifts to Calthorpe Park, fondly known as the Anchor Stadium – and with the blue tide rising, Armada are determined to keep Nechells a shore. This is more than just a fixture. It’s a mission.

TEAM NEWS
Training this week has been razor-sharp, with Coach ramping up intensity after last week’s 2-0 win. Fitness, movement and set-piece routines have been sharpened as the squad prepare for a crucial derby day showdown. Spirits are high, energy is contagious, and competition for starting places has never been fiercer.

• Squad Selection: Final line-up to be decided post warm-up, but preparations are locked in.
• AVAILABLE: Haider, Francis, Uzair, Siraj, Olaolu, Arafat, Romay, Richard, Masoom, Abdul, Mubarik, Edrissa, Muyiwa, Tom, Junaid, Shoaib — all fully fit and in contention. A serious injection of quality and experience.
• UNAVAILABLE: Ahmadi (injured), Konateh (absent), Riaz (injured), Bevan (absent), Pardale (Injured) — all miss out this week, but recovery timelines are progressing positively.

TEAM STATS
This marks Armada FC’s third league fixture of the new campaign. Following a frustrating opening defeat, the team came roaring back with a galvanising 5-1 Home win last week – a result that has lit the fire within the squad. With back-to-back home games coming up, this weekend is a golden opportunity to build consistency and turn Calthorpe into a fortress.

OPPOSITION FORM
Nechells Athletic arrive under pressure and on poor form. With zero wins, zero draws and two defeats, they sit at the wrong end of the table with a -5 goal difference. Their only goal of the season came in their last outing, and although forward Thankgod has notched two strikes, the rest of the squad remains statistically silent. Judging by the limited data and their early form, Nechells are struggling to find rhythm, shape, and confidence. Nechells are a very aggressive team and lack a lot of discipline on and off the pitch, Armada will use this to their advantage.

Armada fans should expect a scrappy, defensive Nechells unit hoping to frustrate – but the home side's pace, passing, and pressing could unravel them early.

PRESS CONFERENCE
“This fixture means everything. Last season’s result was a statement – and Saturday gives us the chance to show it wasn’t a one-off. The boys are fired up. We’re not just defending our home pitch, we’re defending our badge. It’s time to raise the sails and take control again.” Shahid Khan.

WATCH THE GAME
Venue: Calthorpe Park, Edward Road, Birmingham, B12 9LX
Date: Saturday 27/09/2025
Kick-Off: 2:30pm
Weather Forecast: Partly cloudy with bursts of sunshine | 18°C – ideal football conditions.

Live updates all day: https://www.armadafc.co.uk

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