La Solana vs Illescas - Tercera División RFEF - Group 18

The Tercera División RFEF - Group 18 returns to Estadio La Moheda on April 19, 2026, where La Solana and Illescas will lock horns in a contest that could shape their respective campaigns. That coronation came from City's £116m summer signing Elliot Anderson - and has been hotly debated in the build-up to the Manchester derby Super Sunday showdown at Old Trafford, which you can watch live on Sky Sports.

Both La Solana and Illescas will be eager to build momentum when they meet in Tercera División RFEF - Group 18. The hosts have struggled for consistency, W in their last five pointing to a win rate of 33.33%. Illescas have blown hot and cold, D across their last five and a season win rate of 33.33%. Where La Solana have leaned on defensive discipline, Illescas have often taken the initiative going forward, and that stylistic difference should shape the contest. Phil Foden was handed a free role in the No 10 position behind striker Muamba, who scored in consecutive pre-season games.

The tactical subplot is compelling: La Solana favour a possession-based game built on patience and control, while Illescas are happiest sitting deep and exploding forward on the counter — a classic contrast of philosophies. After the loss, a lot of questions began to be raised about their different approach to preparing for the game.

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. The battle in midfield, where both sides look to control tempo, could prove the decisive arena. Manchester City defender Josko Gvardiol speaks to the Manchester Evening News after turning down options elsewhere to commit his future to City.

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. Neither side holds a clear edge, and a 1-1 draw would be a fitting reflection of the balance between them. With positions in the Tercera División RFEF - Group 18 table to defend and momentum to chase, neither side can afford to leave anything in the tank. And Fonseca does not place too much weight on the decision of Roberto Martinez to omit him from the World Cup squad in favour of his Benfica team-mate Tomas Araujo.