Aşgabat vs Arkadag - Ýokary Liga

There is a notable edge to this Ýokary Liga fixture. When Aşgabat meet Arkadag at the home ground on June 13, 2026, both will sense an opportunity to land a telling blow. 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 Ýokary Liga contest at the home ground offers a chance to lay down a marker. Aşgabat will be keen to seize the initiative and build some momentum on home soil. The visitors will back themselves to cause problems and will not make the trip expecting an easy afternoon. Skinner had another year to run on his contract but has decided to move on a month out from United beginning their Women’s Super League season at London City Lionesses on September 4.

Wing play is likely to be central to the contest. Aşgabat will look to stretch the pitch and isolate their wide attackers, while Arkadag must find a way to compress the space and choke the supply lines. A month before his death, he was also arrested in Arkansas on charges including possession of a controlled substance.

Neither side is short on individuals capable of tilting the balance, and the duel between the two squads' chief creators could prove particularly pivotal. The wide areas will be a key battleground, with full-backs and wingers on either side capable of swinging the contest one way or the other. However, as Carrick admitted himself, a few moments such as Ainsley Maitland-Niles' equaliser for Everton, City's controversial VAR goal and now a shocking collapse against Brighton, have made it all feel very different.

The market has yet to form a strong view, and the contest looks genuinely difficult to call. The signals point towards a stalemate, with the two sides closely matched across form and standings. A 1-1 draw is easy to envisage. With the standings tight and form on the line, this is a fixture neither side will want to lose. 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.