Bihor Oradea vs Ştefăneşti - Liga II

A fascinating Liga II chapter awaits on August 29, 2026 when Bihor Oradea take on Ştefăneşti at Stadionul Iuliu Bodola — two sides with plenty to play for and everything to prove. 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.

Both Bihor Oradea and Ştefăneşti will be eager to build momentum when they meet in Liga II. Consistency has eluded Bihor Oradea in recent weeks, with LWLDW in their last five and a win rate of 28.57% that tells of an up-and-down campaign. The visitors have been hard to predict on their travels, LLLLW in their last five reflecting a win rate of 25%. Their respective approaches this season have differed noticeably, and the tactical contrast could prove telling. On Wednesday night, Infantino was given the "full support" of FIFA's management board in a statement despite being forced to abandon his plan to sell stakes in a company to run the World Cup to private investors.

Pressing intensity will define the contest. Bihor Oradea will seek to win the ball high up the pitch and suffocate Ştefăneşti's build-up, while the visitors will aim to play through the pressure and exploit the spaces it leaves behind. Schalke had only 17 per cent of the possession but, having visited the club to interview their charismatic coach Miron Muslic, that is hardly a surprise.

The fixture is likely to be shaped by its key performers, with creative midfielders and clinical finishers on both sides capable of turning the game in an instant. Discipline at the back and sharpness in front of goal will likely tilt the balance one way or the other. The agency Roc Nation are reportedly working on getting Real Madrid striker Endrick a transfer to the Premier League this summer.

Without the market to lean on, the contest feels genuinely open — and the outcome may come down to which side handles the occasion better. Expect a tight, competitive affair that could easily end all square at 2-2. With positions in the Liga II table to defend and momentum to chase, neither side can afford to leave anything in the tank. 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.