AFC Fylde vs Scunthorpe - National League

The history between AFC Fylde and Scunthorpe lends this National League fixture an extra layer of spice, and when the two walk out at the home ground on October 10, 2026, recent encounters will be on everyone's mind. O'Neill made five changes for Celtic's midweek win at St Johnstone as he rested some key players ahead of Sunday's clash.

AFC Fylde head into the contest positioned 3rd in the National League standings, while Scunthorpe arrive sitting 18th. AFC Fylde have been picking up results at a respectable clip, WDWWL over their last five with a season win rate of 57.14%. Scunthorpe have struggled to string results together away from home, WLLWL over their last five with a win rate of 28.57%. The contrast in attacking output — 2.43 versus 1.43 goals per game — adds an extra layer of intrigue. Inter want to sign Curtis Jones, but as things stand their valuation falls well short of Liverpool's, especially in a market when other Premier League proven players in his position have moved for such big fees.

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. That radar allows City to retain control, momentum and possession in games, pinning opponents back in the tempered style Guardiola favoured.

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. The battle in midfield, where both sides look to control tempo, could prove the decisive arena. Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player The scorer, August Priske, is a robust young target-man added in January who looks to have benefited from that half-season in the Championship.

The market has yet to form a strong view, and the contest looks genuinely difficult to call. On balance, AFC Fylde look well-placed to claim all three points, and a 2-1 home win would not come as a surprise. The result at the home ground could resonate well beyond matchday in the National League picture. Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player Liverpool's midfield wasn't great last year but I expect Florian Wirtz to have a better season, 100 per cent.