Barcelona SC vs Aucas - Liga Pro

All eyes turn to the home ground on May 17, 2026 as Barcelona SC welcome Aucas in a Liga Pro encounter that promises tension, intrigue and no shortage of subplot. How smooth can you be when receiving the ball, how quickly can you move from the back foot, hips open, face forward and find quality with the pass.

The two sides arrive with plenty to prove, and the Liga Pro contest at the home ground offers a chance to lay down a marker. The hosts have struggled for consistency, LLWLL in their last five pointing to a win rate of 36.67%. The visitors have been picking up results steadily, DDLWL over their last five with a campaign win rate of 46.67%. Goals could be in short supply or plentiful — Barcelona SC average 1.07 per game to Aucas's 1.1, and that gap may dictate the rhythm of the contest. Tim Sherwood makes his predictions for the new Premier League season, including who he thinks will make the top four in the table.

Tactically, the contest promises a fascinating contrast. Barcelona SC will look to impose their style on home soil, while Aucas are likely to have ideas of their own about how to gain the upper hand. Everton are aware of interest from Saudi Pro League club Al Hilal, but there has been no formal approach or contact with them, and they have no appetite to sell the 26-year-old, who has three years on his deal.

All eyes will be on the league's leading marksman E. Mero, whose 13 goals this season make him the standout threat and a player capable of deciding the outcome on his own. Discipline at the back and sharpness in front of goal will likely tilt the balance one way or the other. Arsenal have signed midfielder Bruno Guimaraes from Newcastle in a £75m transfer.

Predictions are tricky when the sides are this evenly matched, and small margins — a moment of quality, a slice of luck — could decide it either way. 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. With positions in the Liga Pro table to defend and momentum to chase, neither side can afford to leave anything in the tank. 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.