HNK Rijeka vs Ilves - UEFA Europa Conference League

All eyes turn to the home ground on August 6, 2026 as HNK Rijeka welcome Ilves in a UEFA Europa Conference League encounter that promises tension, intrigue and no shortage of subplot. The 25-year-old suffered the injury after an inadvertent clash with his own team-mate as he and Mathias Olivera both challenged for possession late in the first half.

There is little to choose between HNK Rijeka and Ilves on paper, and the UEFA Europa Conference League encounter should reflect that balance. HNK Rijeka have blown hot and cold, WWDWD across their last five and a win rate of 33.33% that leaves room for improvement. The visitors will travel in the hope that a change of scene can spark a turnaround, whatever the form book says. Carrick has experimented with Noussair Mazraoui in that position but he seems to have fallen down the pecking order, as the less experienced Patrick Dorgu was preferred for the Manchester derby loss.

The tactical battle could prove decisive. HNK Rijeka may lean on their home advantage to dictate the tempo, but Ilves have shown they can be dangerous when allowed to play on their own terms. That radar allows City to retain control, momentum and possession in games, pinning opponents back in the tempered style Guardiola favoured.

Individual quality could tip the balance. The league's leading scorer K. Behrens, with 6 goals to his name this season, is a reminder of the firepower on display. Discipline at the back and sharpness in front of goal will likely tilt the balance one way or the other. The 18-year-old winger came on in the second half of City's first pre-season game against Inter and was one of the standout players, looking sharp and going close to either scoring or assisting a goal on a number of occasions.

Without the market to lean on, the contest feels genuinely open — and the outcome may come down to which side handles the occasion better. With the sides so closely matched, a 1-1 stalemate looks the most likely way this one ends. 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.