Blooming vs Bolívar - Copa de la División Profesional

A fascinating Copa de la División Profesional chapter awaits on October 9, 2026 when Blooming take on Bolívar 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.

The two sides arrive with plenty to prove, and the Copa de la División Profesional contest at the home ground offers a chance to lay down a marker. The hosts will hope that the the home ground crowd can inspire a performance, whatever the numbers suggest. The visitors will travel in the hope that a change of scene can spark a turnaround, whatever the form book says. If you're Arsenal and wanting to win the Premier League, and you take six points off those teams, then you're near-on winning the Premier League.

The tactical battle could prove decisive. Blooming may lean on their home advantage to dictate the tempo, but Bolívar have shown they can be dangerous when allowed to play on their own terms. 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.

Star players on both sides will be eager to make their mark, and the individual duels across the pitch could go a long way to deciding the outcome. The wide areas will be a key battleground, with full-backs and wingers on either side capable of swinging the contest one way or the other. Wesley gets away from Bastoni and surges forward, shot charged down by Dimarco inside the area.

With the sides closely matched, the outcome may well hinge on which team takes its chances on the day. Neither side holds a clear edge, and a 1-1 draw would be a fitting reflection of the balance between them. With positions in the Copa de la División Profesional table to defend and momentum to chase, neither side can afford to leave anything in the tank. Important qualities given that Bournemouth will expect him to be proactive.