Forward Madison vs Richmond Kickers - USL League One

All eyes turn to the home ground on July 16, 2026 as Forward Madison welcome Richmond Kickers in a USL League One encounter that promises tension, intrigue and no shortage of subplot. 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 camps will view the USL League One meeting at the home ground as an opportunity to put a marker down, regardless of where they currently stand. The hosts have done enough without setting the world alight, LDWDW over their last five and a 53.85% win rate to their name. It has been a wretched run on the road for the visitors, LDLLD in their last five and a win rate of 20% that explains their lowly standing. The contrast in attacking output — 1.81 versus 0.96 goals per game — adds an extra layer of intrigue. Larson’s long-term plans have attracted renewed attention following teammate Alex Bowman’s recent announcement that he intends to retire from full-time Cup Series competition at the end of the 2027 season.

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. But this approach also takes something that is almost anonymous in football - time.

Star players on both sides will be eager to make their mark, and the individual duels across the pitch could go a long way to deciding the outcome. Whoever wins the individual duel between the two sides' chief playmakers is likely to dictate the rhythm and, ultimately, the destination of the points. Tom Heaton: Would have been frustrated at the goal he conceded but one sharp save just before half-time and safe hands after the break. 7 Leny Yoro: Should have won the header for the first goal but improved after that.

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. Neither side holds a clear edge, and a 2-2 draw would be a fitting reflection of the balance between them. With the standings tight and form on the line, this is a fixture neither side will want to lose. 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.