Atlético Astorga vs Palencia CF - Friendlies Clubs

The Friendlies Clubs returns to the home ground on August 29, 2026, where Atlético Astorga and Palencia CF will lock horns in a contest that could shape their respective campaigns. That coronation came from City's £116m summer signing Elliot Anderson - and has been hotly debated in the build-up to the Manchester derby Super Sunday showdown at Old Trafford, which you can watch live on Sky Sports.

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. Atlético Astorga 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. Arsenal can move three points clear at the top of the Premier League with a win at Brighton this afternoon.

Set-piece efficiency could prove the difference on the night. Both Atlético Astorga and Palencia CF have invested time in dead-ball situations this season, and a single corner or free-kick may settle it. There is interest in adding another forward player who can play in one of those wide No 10 roles behind the striker in the 3-4-2-1 formation that Sage is expected to continue with at Selhurst Park.

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. Discipline at the back and sharpness in front of goal will likely tilt the balance one way or the other. Do not rule out a move for a centre-forward too.

The market has yet to form a strong view, and the contest looks genuinely difficult to call. 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. The result at the home ground could resonate well beyond matchday in the Friendlies Clubs picture. The 22-year-old was likely quite high up on the list of United's midfield targets and potentially even higher after Aurelien Tchouameni and Eduardo Camavinga blows.