Borgosesia vs Imperia - Serie D - Girone A

The history between Borgosesia and Imperia lends this Serie D - Girone A fixture an extra layer of spice, and when the two walk out at the home ground on October 18, 2026, recent encounters will be on everyone's mind. City could face a huge punishment including points deductions and even expulsion if they fail in their appeal against the verdict of an independent commission, which ruled on more than 100 charges of breaking Premier League rules.

Borgosesia head into the contest positioned 16th in the Serie D - Girone A standings, while Imperia arrive sitting 6th. Borgosesia are mired in a difficult campaign, LLDWD over their last five and a paltry win rate of 14.29% painting a bleak picture. Imperia have travelled reasonably well, WDLWL over their last five with a season win rate of 42.86%. The contrast in attacking output — 0.71 versus 1.29 goals per game — adds an extra layer of intrigue. Carrick has experimented with Noussair Mazraoui in that position but he seems to have fallen down the pecking order, as the less experienced Patrick Dorgu was preferred for the Manchester derby loss.

Stylistically, this is a compelling matchup. Borgosesia favour a patient, possession-based approach, whereas Imperia are at their most dangerous when allowed to hit quickly on the counter. All of these moments are part of a wider picture that Rice has gone up a level in possession, showing a dramatic improvement in terms of attacking influence on the ball.

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. How each side deals with the other's danger men — and who takes their chances when they come — will be central to the outcome. Former Manchester United midfielder Casemiro has explained his decision to join MLS side Inter Miami.

Predicting an outright winner is no easy task given how little separates the two sides on paper. Given the balance of the numbers, Imperia look capable of springing a surprise on the road — a 1-2 away victory is a distinct possibility. With the standings tight and form on the line, this is a fixture neither side will want to lose. The win over Liverpool was the first time the team had stepped onto the pitch since the news of the verdict broke.