Le Havre vs Laval - Friendlies Clubs

Few would have predicted the narrative arc that brings Le Havre and Laval together at the home ground on July 31, 2026, and the underdog storyline only adds to the Friendlies Clubs occasion. O'Neill made five changes for Celtic's midweek win at St Johnstone as he rested some key players ahead of Sunday's clash.

The two sides arrive with plenty to prove, and the Friendlies Clubs contest at the home ground offers a chance to lay down a marker. Le Havre will be keen to seize the initiative and build some momentum on home soil. The visitors will back themselves to cause problems and will not make the trip expecting an easy afternoon. That’s according to Miguel Delaney of the Independent, who also adds that the Gunners remain keen on another world class forward in the form of Atletico Madrid’s Julian Alvarez.

Stylistically, this is a compelling matchup. Le Havre favour a patient, possession-based approach, whereas Laval are at their most dangerous when allowed to hit quickly on the counter. His passing display at the World Cup was yet more evidence of his suitability for City and the possession-heavy style Maresca favours.

Neither side is short on individuals capable of tilting the balance, and the duel between the two squads' chief creators could prove particularly pivotal. Whoever wins the individual duel between the two sides' chief playmakers is likely to dictate the rhythm and, ultimately, the destination of the points. Caught Offside report that the Galatasaray forward is being monitored by United, Chelsea and Atletico Madrid.

The market has yet to form a strong view, and the contest looks genuinely difficult to call. Neither side holds a clear edge, and a 1-1 draw would be a fitting reflection of the balance between them. Whatever the outcome, the Friendlies Clubs fixture promises a meaningful contest with real implications for both clubs. 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.