Leamington vs Ilkeston Town - FA Cup

The history between Leamington and Ilkeston Town lends this FA Cup fixture an extra layer of spice, and when the two walk out at the home ground on September 5, 2026, recent encounters will be on everyone's mind. Jorge Salinas is of interest to Manchester United(Image: 2024 Soccrates Images B.V.) United are one of several Premier League clubs weighing up whether to meet Bologna’s €25m (£21.7m) valuation for Jhon Lucumi, according to Corriere di Bologna.

The standings add context to the occasion — Leamington occupying 71st, Ilkeston Town perched in 177th — and the gap between them shapes the narrative. Leamington will be keen to seize the initiative and build some momentum on home soil. Ilkeston Town will travel with intent, knowing that a positive result here could kick-start their campaign. Tim Sherwood makes his predictions for the new Premier League season, including who he thinks will make the top four in the table.

Tactically, the contest promises a fascinating contrast. Leamington will look to impose their style on home soil, while Ilkeston Town are likely to have ideas of their own about how to gain the upper hand. Amad won possession in the PSG half before laying the ball off for Bryan Mbeumo to score.

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. However, the Scotland striker has not hit the ground running in Govan and was on the bench for the 5-1 home League Cup win over St Mirren on Sunday, with midfielder Nico Raskin taking the armband.

Predicting an outright winner is no easy task given how little separates the two sides on paper. Backed by home advantage and superior form, Leamington ought to prevail — a 2-1 victory looks the logical call. With positions in the FA Cup table to defend and momentum to chase, neither side can afford to leave anything in the tank. The club are understood to favour a profile closer to Aurelien Tchouameni or a Premier League‑proven alternative rather than Manu Kone.