Hitchin Town vs Leiston - FA Cup

A fascinating FA Cup chapter awaits on September 19, 2026 when Hitchin Town take on Leiston at the home ground — two sides with plenty to play for and everything to prove. Anderson was pointing out that City had held the whip hand in this fixture "for as long as I've known", which isn't exactly inaccurate but will also fan the flames ahead of Sunday's Old Trafford showdown.

There is little to choose between Hitchin Town and Leiston on paper, and the FA Cup encounter should reflect that balance. The hosts will be looking to find their rhythm and put a run of results together. Leiston will travel with intent, knowing that a positive result here could kick-start their campaign. If he finds a way of those three players gelling and playing together - making one of them run in beyond - then Chelsea will have a very good season.

Tactically, the contest promises a fascinating contrast. Hitchin Town will look to impose their style on home soil, while Leiston are likely to have ideas of their own about how to gain the upper hand. The winner came from a rare counter-attack by the new-look Spurs side, who defended well throughout with Andy Robertson making his first start and Jan Paul van Hecke on debut, as they battled to secure another win in pre-season.

Individual moments of quality could tip the balance. Both sides possess players capable of producing something out of nothing, and a single flash of brilliance may be all that separates them. Discipline at the back and sharpness in front of goal will likely tilt the balance one way or the other. New signing update as plan confirmed for midfielder - Manchester United Academy Notebook.

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. Whatever the outcome, the FA Cup fixture promises a meaningful contest with real implications for both clubs. The club are understood to favour a profile closer to Aurelien Tchouameni or a Premier League‑proven alternative rather than Manu Kone.