La Almunia vs Ejea - Tercera División RFEF - Group 17

There is a notable edge to this Tercera División RFEF - Group 17 fixture. When La Almunia meet Ejea at the home ground on October 18, 2026, both will sense an opportunity to land a telling blow. Man United's next eight games as Michael Carrick faces gruelling fixture run to save job.

The standings add context to the occasion — La Almunia occupying 12th, Ejea perched in 2nd — and the gap between them shapes the narrative. La Almunia have blown hot and cold, LLDWL across their last five and a win rate of 33.33% that leaves room for improvement. On the road, Ejea have been equally impressive — WWWWW in their last five and a win rate of 83.33% for the campaign. Their respective approaches this season have differed noticeably, and the tactical contrast could prove telling. On Wednesday night, Infantino was given the "full support" of FIFA's management board in a statement despite being forced to abandon his plan to sell stakes in a company to run the World Cup to private investors.

How the two sides approach the contest strategically will be key. La Almunia will want to control proceedings in front of their own supporters, while Ejea will back themselves to cause problems on the break. His passing display at the World Cup was yet more evidence of his suitability for City and the possession-heavy style Maresca favours.

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. Set-piece specialists and aerial threats on both sides mean dead-ball situations could carry outsized importance. Manzambi becomes Villa's first signing of the summer, with the Europa League holders also closing in on a £38m deal for Wolves midfielder Joao Gomes.

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. Despite the home advantage enjoyed by La Almunia, the weight of evidence favours Ejea — a 1-2 away win is the call. Whatever the outcome, the Tercera División RFEF - Group 17 fixture promises a meaningful contest with real implications for both clubs. Joe Gomez is expected to miss the start of Liverpool's Premier League campaign through injury - but it is not likely to impact the Reds' transfer plans.