Levadiakos vs Asteras Tripolis - Cup

The Cup returns to the home ground on August 18, 2026, where Levadiakos and Asteras Tripolis will lock horns in a contest that could shape their respective campaigns. Enzo Maresca verdict on Michael Carrick and Manchester United fixture issue - 'you need to adapt'.

Both Levadiakos and Asteras Tripolis will be eager to build momentum when they meet in Cup. The hosts will hope that the the home ground crowd can inspire a performance, whatever the numbers suggest. The visitors will back themselves to cause problems and will not make the trip expecting an easy afternoon. Fulham are starting to do some business now that Alvaro Arbeloa's feet are under the table as new head coach.

Wing play is likely to be central to the contest. Levadiakos will look to stretch the pitch and isolate their wide attackers, while Asteras Tripolis must find a way to compress the space and choke the supply lines. But the Greek winger believes the mentality Arsenal are showing in pre-season is a sign they are ready to defend their crown.

Star players on both sides will be eager to make their mark, and the individual duels across the pitch could go a long way to deciding the outcome. How each side deals with the other's danger men — and who takes their chances when they come — will be central to the outcome. Chelsea are also considering the same move, especially after selling Trevoh Chalobah to Como, which frees them to explore a deal for the Colombian defender.

The market has yet to form a strong view, and the contest looks genuinely difficult to call. A share of the spoils looks the most probable outcome, with neither side holding a decisive edge — a 1-1 draw feels like a fitting result. With positions in the Cup table to defend and momentum to chase, neither side can afford to leave anything in the tank. Premier League chief executive Richard Masters says a verdict on the alleged charges against Manchester City "has taken longer than expected".