Frome Town vs Sholing - Non League Premier - Southern South

The history between Frome Town and Sholing lends this Non League Premier - Southern South fixture an extra layer of spice, and when the two walk out at the home ground on October 10, 2026, recent encounters will be on everyone's mind. 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.

There is plenty riding on this Non League Premier - Southern South encounter for Frome Town and Sholing alike, and neither will want to leave the home ground empty-handed. Frome Town have been picking up results at a respectable clip, DDWLL over their last five with a season win rate of 40%. Road trips have been a source of frustration for the visitors — WWWLW in their last five, a season win rate of 37.5%. The contrast in attacking output — 1.7 versus 1.13 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.

Stylistically, this is a compelling matchup. Frome Town favour a patient, possession-based approach, whereas Sholing are at their most dangerous when allowed to hit quickly on the counter. In his press conference on Friday, Tuchel admitted it 'hurt him' not to play the United man in America.

Game-changers are scattered across both line-ups, and the contest may well be decided by which side's match-winners deliver on the day. Set-piece specialists and aerial threats on both sides mean dead-ball situations could carry outsized importance. Baleba made it clear that he wanted to sign last summer, but Brighton valued the midfielder in excess of £100m, which was not a realistic fee for United in a window when other areas needed to be prioritised.

The market has yet to form a strong view, and the contest looks genuinely difficult to call. Neither side holds a clear edge, and a 2-2 draw would be a fitting reflection of the balance between them. Whatever the outcome, the Non League Premier - Southern South fixture promises a meaningful contest with real implications for both clubs. Premier League chief executive Richard Masters says a verdict on the alleged charges against Manchester City "has taken longer than expected".