Leek Town vs Runcorn Linnets - Friendlies Clubs

When Leek Town and Runcorn Linnets clash at the home ground on July 31, 2026, the stakes extend well beyond a single result — this is a Friendlies Clubs fixture that carries real weight for both clubs. The 74-year-old Hoops boss admitted that "it'll be a bit strange not having the (Celtic) fans in but I'm nervously and excitedly looking forward to it; it's a great fixture" and also spoke about the police visit.

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. The hosts will be looking to find their rhythm and put a run of results together. Runcorn Linnets's away form is hard to read, but they will arrive with the belief that they can trouble their hosts. Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player Lille moved to the top of the table in France thanks to a goal from Ethan Mbappe, the younger brother of Kylian.

How the two sides approach the contest strategically will be key. Leek Town will want to control proceedings in front of their own supporters, while Runcorn Linnets will back themselves to cause problems on the break. And there are still question marks even in attack, where they have an abundance of supporting forwards including Mbeumo, Cunha and Amad Diallo, but only one out-and-out striker in Sesko.

In fixtures as finely poised as this one, it often comes down to who holds their nerve in the big moments — and both camps have players who relish that responsibility. Discipline at the back and sharpness in front of goal will likely tilt the balance one way or the other. Carlos Baleba looks to be staying with Brighton(Image: PA) Manchester United are unlikely to pursue Carlos Baleba any further this summer as a result of the Brighton midfielder picking up an ankle ligament injury.

Predicting an outright winner is no easy task given how little separates the two sides on paper. The signals point towards a stalemate, with the two sides closely matched across form and standings. A 1-1 draw is easy to envisage. Whatever the outcome, the Friendlies Clubs fixture promises a meaningful contest with real implications for both clubs. The team currently most likely to win the 2026 WNBA Finals according to Opta.