Cuiaba vs Athletic Club - Serie B

There is a notable edge to this Serie B fixture. When Cuiaba meet Athletic Club at the home ground on September 8, 2026, both will sense an opportunity to land a telling blow. 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.

Cuiaba head into the contest positioned 11th in the Serie B standings, while Athletic Club arrive sitting 10th. The hosts have mirrored the form of a side still searching for rhythm — DWLWD over their last five, a win rate of 32.14%. The visitors have been a mixed bag on the road, WLWLL in their last five and a win rate of 35.71% reflecting their unpredictability. Where Cuiaba have built their campaign on solidity, Athletic Club have often chased flair, and that fundamental difference should make for compelling viewing. But the Reds are still unsure about Bologna's asking price for the defender, who turned 28 in June and has less than 12 months to run on his contract at the Serie A side.

Tactically, the contest promises a fascinating contrast. Cuiaba will look to impose their style on home soil, while Athletic Club are likely to have ideas of their own about how to gain the upper hand. His passing display at the World Cup was yet more evidence of his suitability for City and the possession-heavy style Maresca favours.

With Mikael leading the league's scoring charts at 15 goals, the contest is unlikely to be short of attacking intent. Set-piece specialists and aerial threats on both sides mean dead-ball situations could carry outsized importance. Despite these links, United will not be parting ways with the Slovenian striker.

The market has yet to form a strong view, and the contest looks genuinely difficult to call. Given the balance of the numbers, Athletic Club look capable of springing a surprise on the road — a 1-2 away victory is a distinct possibility. Whatever the outcome, the Serie B fixture promises a meaningful contest with real implications for both clubs. In terms of outgoings, Perri seems closest to an exit, but that will likely have to wait until Trafford's mandated holiday after the World Cup is over or a No 2 arrives.