AFC Fylde vs Atherton Collieries - FA Cup

AFC Fylde prepare to host Atherton Collieries at the home ground on October 17, 2026, with both sides eager to assert their credentials and claim a result that could define their FA Cup season. Should City's appeal against breaking 114 rules not succeed, they could face serious sanctions with the Premier League told they should make an example of them if still deemed in breach.

There is plenty riding on this FA Cup encounter for AFC Fylde and Atherton Collieries alike, and neither will want to leave the home ground empty-handed. AFC Fylde will be keen to seize the initiative and build some momentum on home soil. Atherton Collieries will travel with intent, knowing that a positive result here could kick-start their campaign. In terms of net spend, Liverpool topped the table with £219.4m, followed by Ipswich (£190.7m), Spurs (£176m) and Hull (£160.5m).

Set-piece efficiency and transition play often decide fixtures of this nature, and both managers will have been drilling those phases on the training ground. By Monday morning, there had been three million views of a video showing Spurs passing through the Man Utd press and breaking up the pitch with ease.

Individual moments of quality could tip the balance. Both sides possess players capable of producing something out of nothing, and a single flash of brilliance may be all that separates them. Whoever wins the individual duel between the two sides' chief playmakers is likely to dictate the rhythm and, ultimately, the destination of the points. Despite his youth, the defender has won a total of six titles with Benfica and the national team, and was named as the best defender in the 2022/23 Portuguese league season.

With the sides closely matched, the outcome may well hinge on which team takes its chances on the day. A share of the spoils looks the most probable outcome, with neither side holding a decisive edge — a 1-1 draw feels like a fitting result. The result at the home ground could resonate well beyond matchday in the FA Cup picture. Joe Gomez is expected to miss the start of Liverpool's Premier League campaign through injury - but it is not likely to impact the Reds' transfer plans.