FC Jerusalem vs Maccabi Ashdod - Liga Alef

Few would have predicted the narrative arc that brings FC Jerusalem and Maccabi Ashdod together at the home ground on September 9, 2026, and the underdog storyline only adds to the Liga Alef occasion. United could come up against Garnacho once again this forthcoming season, with United scheduled to face Villa on November 7 at Old Trafford, before the return visit to Villa Park on January 16.

Both FC Jerusalem and Maccabi Ashdod will be eager to build momentum when they meet in Liga Alef. FC Jerusalem will be keen to seize the initiative and build some momentum on home soil. The visitors will travel in the hope that a change of scene can spark a turnaround, whatever the form book says. Those who followed Morocco's recent World Cup campaign will recognise the name Ayyoub Bouaddi.

Set-piece efficiency and transition play often decide fixtures of this nature, and both managers will have been drilling those phases on the training ground. Schalke were third bottom for possession in winning the second tier, let alone facing Bayern.

In fixtures as finely poised as this one, it often comes down to who holds their nerve in the big moments — and both camps have players who relish that responsibility. The wide areas will be a key battleground, with full-backs and wingers on either side capable of swinging the contest one way or the other. United and Chelsea are reportedly set to go head-to-head for Bologna defender Jhon Lucumi.

With the sides closely matched, the outcome may well hinge on which team takes its chances on the day. A share of the spoils looks the most probable outcome, with neither side holding a decisive edge — a 1-1 draw feels like a fitting result. With the standings tight and form on the line, this is a fixture neither side will want to lose. Joe Gomez is expected to miss the start of Liverpool's Premier League campaign through injury - but it is not likely to impact the Reds' transfer plans.