**Hastings host Sutton in a preseason clash with Sutton looking sharp and confident.** This is a friendly setup, so expect an open game with both sides testing their summer recruits. 🔥

Sutton roll in riding high — three wins from their last five, including back-to-back home victories against Folkestone and Horsham. Hastings will want to match that intensity and use the pitch time ahead of the competitive season.

Key storylines:

- **Sutton's attacking trio** of R. Ruiz, T. Babalola, and B. Njoku have been clicking in recent friendlies and will test Hastings' back line early.
- **Sutton's defensive solidity** under J. Taylor and J. Moore-Taylor in the center has limited chances; Hastings need width and patience to break them down.
- Preseason rhythm — whoever looks sharper in the middle third will control the tempo and score opportunities.

Expected lineups:

- **Sutton United**: C. Haigh, B. Topalloj, J. Taylor, J. Moore-Taylor, K. Donkor, D. Ogbenna, C. Bell, T. Babalola, R. Ruiz, B. Njoku, C. Carter

Prediction:

**Sutton 2-1 Hastings.** Sutton's form and fluency give them a slight edge in a competitive friendly. 💪