Atlas vs Necaxa - Friendlies Clubs

Few would have predicted the narrative arc that brings Atlas and Necaxa together at the home ground on July 4, 2026, and the underdog storyline only adds to the Friendlies Clubs occasion. O'Neill made five changes for Celtic's midweek win at St Johnstone as he rested some key players ahead of Sunday's clash.

Both camps will view the Friendlies Clubs meeting at the home ground as an opportunity to put a marker down, regardless of where they currently stand. The hosts will hope that the the home ground crowd can inspire a performance, whatever the numbers suggest. Necaxa will travel with intent, knowing that a positive result here could kick-start their campaign. Paulo Fonseca's men are still smarting from their Champions League play-off exit but now sit third in the table.

Wing play is likely to be central to the contest. Atlas will look to stretch the pitch and isolate their wide attackers, while Necaxa must find a way to compress the space and choke the supply lines. Schalke were third bottom for possession in winning the second tier, let alone facing Bayern.

Neither side is short on individuals capable of tilting the balance, and the duel between the two squads' chief creators could prove particularly pivotal. How each side deals with the other's danger men — and who takes their chances when they come — will be central to the outcome. New signing update as plan confirmed for midfielder - Manchester United Academy Notebook.

The market has yet to form a strong view, and the contest looks genuinely difficult to call. Neither side holds a clear edge, and a 1-1 draw would be a fitting reflection of the balance between them. Whatever the outcome, the Friendlies Clubs fixture promises a meaningful contest with real implications for both clubs. Manchester City will begin another Premier League season with major uncertainty hanging over the club after league chief executive Richard Masters admitted the long-awaited verdict on their financial case has taken longer than expected.