The upcoming English Football League season is shaping up to deliver some truly bizarre matchups that will feel unfamiliar even to seasoned fans. Fixtures such as Tottenham facing Lincoln or Leicester meeting Bromley highlight just how unpredictable football has become. This past campaign across the English football pyramid has been unusually chaotic. As a result, the 2026/27 schedule could include a set of games that seem almost surreal. Some of these pairings are the outcome of poor administrative decisions, others stem from remarkable performances, while a few are driven by a mix of both extremes. Tottenham vs Lincoln: A Fixture Few Expected Attempting to summarise Tottenham’s 2025/26 season in a single line would require something quite dramatic: following a heavy 5–2 loss to Atletico Madrid in the Champions League knockout round—where their goalkeeper was substituted as early as the 17th minute—fans were already joking about trips to Lincoln the following year. It was a strange moment, with supporters expressing dark humour inside a massive European stadium. The contrast becomes even more striking when considering that Lincoln’s Sincil Bank holds only a fraction of that capacity. There are even supporters who remember the last league encounter between these clubs, a dull goalless match in the 1948/49 Second Division. Since then, both teams have operated in vastly different tiers of football. While Tottenham were finishing as Premier League runners-up in 2017, Lincoln were celebrating success in the National League. Fast forward to 2019, Lincoln secured promotion from League Two just weeks before Spurs appeared in a Champions League final. If these two sides meet again in league competition next season, it would perfectly illustrate the contrast between a well-structured, community-driven club and another that continues to struggle with consistency. West Ham vs Stevenage: A Potential First-Time Encounter Although Tottenham’s situation draws attention, West Ham could also find themselves in an unusual fixture scenario. When the Hammers were relegated in 2011, their opponents included clubs like Doncaster and Peterborough. Results were mixed, including a home draw and a narrow win via a penalty. If their current downward trend continues, and managerial changes fail to stabilize the team, West Ham might face a completely new opponent. Stevenage, currently pushing for promotion from League One, could secure a place in the Championship. A matchup between these two sides would represent a first-ever meeting and serve as a humbling reminder of how quickly fortunes can change. Leicester vs Bromley: A Stark Contrast in Football Fortunes Perhaps the most unbelievable fixture already confirmed involves Leicester City and Bromley. Leicester’s recent history includes winning the Premier League in 2016, reaching the Champions League quarter-finals, lifting the FA Cup in 2021, and competing in European semi-finals shortly after. In contrast, Bromley has spent the vast majority of its existence outside the Football League. Only recently have they begun to climb the ranks, and now they are on the verge of another promotion. Despite operating with one of the smallest wage budgets in their division, Bromley has managed to outperform expectations significantly. Their manager highlighted the disparity between the two clubs, pointing out differences in facilities, staffing, and financial management. While Leicester boasts world-class infrastructure, Bromley relies on minimal resources, making their achievements even more remarkable. This fixture represents more than just a game—it’s a meeting of two completely different football realities. Manchester United vs Wrexham: A Media Spectacle in Waiting Another fixture that could capture global attention is Manchester United facing Wrexham. Wrexham’s rise has been widely documented, and their potential promotion would introduce them to a level they have rarely experienced. Historically, they have only shared a division with one of England’s top clubs on a single occasion. Although they have never met Manchester United in league competition, past encounters include European clashes during United’s successful run in 1990. Should this matchup occur, it would not only be historic but also one of the most talked-about games of the season, driven by both sporting intrigue and media attention. Rotherham vs Boreham Wood: A Quiet but Unusual Pairing While not as headline-grabbing, a potential meeting between Rotherham and Boreham Wood still deserves mention. Rotherham competed in the Championship as recently as two years ago, whereas Boreham Wood’s highest achievement remains a strong National League finish. For Boreham Wood, reaching this stage would require navigating the play-offs successfully. If they manage to do so, they would face a club with significantly more experience at higher levels. This matchup may not dominate headlines, but it still reflects the unpredictable nature of football progression. The Bigger Picture These unusual fixtures highlight the ever-changing dynamics of English football. Financial decisions, club management, and on-field performance continue to shape the league structure in unexpected ways. Fans can expect a season filled with surprises, unfamiliar rivalries, and compelling narratives that underline why football remains one of the most unpredictable sports in the world.
