Cesar Vallejo vs U. San Martin - Segunda División

A fascinating Segunda División chapter awaits on May 17, 2026 when Cesar Vallejo take on U. San Martin at the home ground — two sides with plenty to play for and everything to prove. Just as was the case in the previous meeting between the teams in April of last year, when Emery's side gave them such a scare in the Champions League tie at Villa Park, PSG were hanging on at the end.

There is little to choose between Cesar Vallejo and U. San Martin on paper, and the Segunda División encounter should reflect that balance. The hosts have mirrored the form of a side still searching for rhythm — LLWWD over their last five, a win rate of 33.33%. U. San Martin have travelled reasonably well, DLWWL over their last five with a season win rate of 43.75%. The contrast in attacking output — 0.93 versus 1.63 goals per game — adds an extra layer of intrigue. In his latest column, Paul Merson predicts the 2026/27 Premier League season at both ends of the table.

The touchline duel between the two managers adds another layer of intrigue, with both likely to tweak their setups in search of a decisive edge. And his efficiency in possession will be helped by those whom he now shares a dressing room with, allowing a more progressive midfielder to develop akin to City's style.

Individual moments of quality could tip the balance. Both sides possess players capable of producing something out of nothing, and a single flash of brilliance may be all that separates them. Whoever wins the individual duel between the two sides' chief playmakers is likely to dictate the rhythm and, ultimately, the destination of the points. Real Madrid have signed RB Leipzig forward Yan Diomande in a deal worth up to £120m.

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. With the sides so closely matched, a 2-2 stalemate looks the most likely way this one ends. Whatever the outcome, the Segunda División fixture promises a meaningful contest with real implications for both clubs. 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.