Helios vs Viimsi - Cup

The history between Helios and Viimsi lends this Cup fixture an extra layer of spice, and when the two walk out at the home ground on August 12, 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 plenty riding on this Cup encounter for Helios and Viimsi alike, and neither will want to leave the home ground empty-handed. The hosts will be looking to find their rhythm and put a run of results together. Viimsi will travel with intent, knowing that a positive result here could kick-start their campaign. Paulo Fonseca's men are still smarting from their Champions League play-off exit but now sit third in the table.

Set-piece efficiency could prove the difference on the night. Both Helios and Viimsi have invested time in dead-ball situations this season, and a single corner or free-kick may settle it. They were slightly found out against Amorim's Milan in pre-season, with the press not quite sharp enough - the fourth goal, in particular, came from just one ball over a high-lined defence.

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 if he was to get some minutes off the bench, it would send another message to interested clubs that United are not rushing to sell the forward.

The market has yet to form a strong view, and the contest looks genuinely difficult to call. The signals point towards a stalemate, with the two sides closely matched across form and standings. A 1-1 draw is easy to envisage. With positions in the Cup table to defend and momentum to chase, neither side can afford to leave anything in the tank. Harry Kane is the favourite to win the Ballon d’Or.