Ançã vs Sanjoanense - Taça de Portugal

Few would have predicted the narrative arc that brings Ançã and Sanjoanense together at the home ground on September 20, 2026, and the underdog storyline only adds to the Taça de Portugal occasion. K-League All-Stars v Manchester City: Confirmed line-ups as Maresca’s men face Korean test.

There is little to choose between Ançã and Sanjoanense on paper, and the Taça de Portugal encounter should reflect that balance. The hosts will hope that the the home ground crowd can inspire a performance, whatever the numbers suggest. Sanjoanense 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).

Stylistically, this is a compelling matchup. Ançã favour a patient, possession-based approach, whereas Sanjoanense are at their most dangerous when allowed to hit quickly on the counter. Rico Lewis played at right-back, but when City were in possession he tucked infield and supported the midfield pairing of Mateo Kovacic and Reijnders.

In fixtures as finely poised as this one, it often comes down to who holds their nerve in the big moments — and both camps have players who relish that responsibility. How each side deals with the other's danger men — and who takes their chances when they come — will be central to the outcome. In his latest Sky Sports column, Paul Merson says he would be worried by Roberto De Zerbi's post-match comments criticising Spurs' forward players and medical staff.

The fixture has the feel of a coin-flip, and picking a winner with any conviction would require a braver pundit than most. 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. With the standings tight and form on the line, this is a fixture neither side will want to lose. Harry Kane is the favourite to win the Ballon d’Or.