Curzon Ashton vs Stalybridge Celtic - FA Trophy

The FA Trophy returns to the home ground on September 26, 2026, where Curzon Ashton and Stalybridge Celtic will lock horns in a contest that could shape their respective campaigns. Michael Carrick's side are set to face Paris Saint-Germain in Sweden on Saturday afternoon with the aim of building on last weekend's win over Atletico Madrid.

Both camps will view the FA Trophy meeting at the home ground as an opportunity to put a marker down, regardless of where they currently stand. The hosts will be looking to find their rhythm and put a run of results together. Stalybridge Celtic's away form is hard to read, but they will arrive with the belief that they can trouble their hosts. Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player Elsewhere, there was a useful win for Atletico Madrid to end Sevilla's unlikely winning run.

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. But the Greek winger believes the mentality Arsenal are showing in pre-season is a sign they are ready to defend their crown.

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. Set-piece specialists and aerial threats on both sides mean dead-ball situations could carry outsized importance. City have now set an asking price of at least £70m for their star midfielder.

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. Expect a tight, competitive affair that could easily end all square at 1-1. With the standings tight and form on the line, this is a fixture neither side will want to lose. England captain Harry Kane is likely to sign a new deal to extend his stay at Bayern Munich despite interest from Barcelona.