Austin II vs The Town - MLS Next Pro

A fascinating MLS Next Pro chapter awaits on October 19, 2026 when Austin II take on The Town at the home ground — two sides with plenty to play for and everything to prove. 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.

Austin II head into the contest positioned 1st in the MLS Next Pro standings, while The Town arrive sitting 10th. The hosts have been imperious, W in their last five underpinning an elite win rate of 74.07% that marks them out as genuine contenders. The Town travel in decent nick, W in their last five and a win rate of 48.15% this season. The contrast in attacking output — 1.93 versus 1.81 goals per game — adds an extra layer of intrigue. Now, it seems, they have a genuine chance to push up the table and dare to dream bigger.

Pressing intensity will define the contest. Austin II will seek to win the ball high up the pitch and suffocate The Town's build-up, while the visitors will aim to play through the pressure and exploit the spaces it leaves behind. Real Madrid, Paris Saint-Germain and Manchester United are also monitoring his situation.Pavlovic has become an influential presence in Bayern’s midfield, impressing with his composure in possession, tactical awareness, and ability to dictate the tempo of matches.

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. Set-piece specialists and aerial threats on both sides mean dead-ball situations could carry outsized importance. Morgan Gibbs-White of Nottingham Forest applauds the fans as he warms up prior to the Premier League match between West Ham United and Nottingham Forest(Image: Getty) United are reportedly eyeing a move for Brentford striker Igor Thiago this summer.

The market has yet to form a strong view, and the contest looks genuinely difficult to call. Given the balance of the numbers, Austin II should have enough to edge it — a 3-2 victory looks the most likely outcome. The result at the home ground could resonate well beyond matchday in the MLS Next Pro 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.