Andijan vs Buxoro - Super League

A fascinating Super League chapter awaits on July 27, 2026 when Andijan take on Buxoro at the home ground — two sides with plenty to play for and everything to prove. The 74-year-old Hoops boss admitted that "it'll be a bit strange not having the (Celtic) fans in but I'm nervously and excitedly looking forward to it; it's a great fixture" and also spoke about the police visit.

The two sides arrive with plenty to prove, and the Super League contest at the home ground offers a chance to lay down a marker. The hosts have been steady if unspectacular, LDLDD in their last five reflecting a win rate of 40.91%. On their travels the visitors have been workmanlike, LL in their last five and a win rate of 45.45% to show for it. Goals could be in short supply or plentiful — Andijan average 1.23 per game to Buxoro's 1.45, and that gap may dictate the rhythm of the contest. It remains to be seen if Leeds will target a No 10 or a winger capable of playing inside now that Brandt is off the table.

Wing play is likely to be central to the contest. Andijan will look to stretch the pitch and isolate their wide attackers, while Buxoro must find a way to compress the space and choke the supply lines. Schalke had only 17 per cent of the possession but, having visited the club to interview their charismatic coach Miron Muslic, that is hardly a surprise.

With A. Amonov leading the league's scoring charts at 2 goals, the contest is unlikely to be short of attacking intent. Set-piece specialists and aerial threats on both sides mean dead-ball situations could carry outsized importance. The 6ft 5in defender continued to be around the first team and made the squad for both legs against Lyon in the Europa League quarter-finals.

Without the market to lean on, the contest feels genuinely open — and the outcome may come down to which side handles the occasion better. The signals point towards a stalemate, with the two sides closely matched across form and standings. A 1-1 draw is easy to envisage. The ramifications of this result could ripple through the Super League standings for weeks to come, regardless of who comes out on top. Harry Kane is the favourite to win the Ballon d’Or.