El Palmar vs Atlético Pulpileño - Tercera División RFEF - Group 13

The history between El Palmar and Atlético Pulpileño lends this Tercera División RFEF - Group 13 fixture an extra layer of spice, and when the two walk out at Polideportivo Municipal El Palmar on May 3, 2026, recent encounters will be on everyone's mind. The 74-year-old Hoops boss admitted that "it'll be a bit strange not having the (Celtic) fans in but I'm nervously and excitedly looking forward to it; it's a great fixture" and also spoke about the police visit.

There is little to choose between El Palmar and Atlético Pulpileño on paper, and the Tercera División RFEF - Group 13 encounter should reflect that balance. Confidence is coursing through the home camp, with W in their last five and a season win rate of 100% underscoring their momentum. Atlético Pulpileño have struggled to string results together away from home, DDLL over their last five with a win rate of 33.33%. The contrast in attacking output — 2 versus 0.67 goals per game — adds an extra layer of intrigue. Central midfield remains a position Leeds are keen to add in despite so far failing to reach an agreement with Southampton for Shea Charles.

Set-piece efficiency could prove the difference on the night. Both El Palmar and Atlético Pulpileño have invested time in dead-ball situations this season, and a single corner or free-kick may settle it. There is interest in adding another forward player who can play in one of those wide No 10 roles behind the striker in the 3-4-2-1 formation that Sage is expected to continue with at Selhurst Park.

Neither side is short on individuals capable of tilting the balance, and the duel between the two squads' chief creators could prove particularly pivotal. How each side deals with the other's danger men — and who takes their chances when they come — will be central to the outcome. But former Reds forward Teddy Sheringham believes Tielemans isn’t good enough to be the midfielder United needed.

Predicting an outright winner is no easy task given how little separates the two sides on paper. Neither side holds a clear edge, and a 2-2 draw would be a fitting reflection of the balance between them. With positions in the Tercera División RFEF - Group 13 table to defend and momentum to chase, neither side can afford to leave anything in the tank. The club are understood to favour a profile closer to Aurelien Tchouameni or a Premier League‑proven alternative rather than Manu Kone.