Liversedge vs Bootle - FA Trophy

The FA Trophy returns to the home ground on August 29, 2026, where Liversedge and Bootle will lock horns in a contest that could shape their respective campaigns. He experienced victory in his only Old Firm appearance as a Gers player, but Sunday will be his first taste of the fixture in the dugout.

Liversedge head into the contest positioned 159th in the FA Trophy standings, while Bootle arrive sitting 2nd. The hosts will be looking to find their rhythm and put a run of results together. The visitors will back themselves to cause problems and will not make the trip expecting an easy afternoon. It’s safe to say that Paige Bueckers is putting up elite all-around numbers in her second WNBA season for the Dallas Wings, averaging over 20 points and nearly six assists a night.

The tactical subplot is compelling: Liversedge favour a possession-based game built on patience and control, while Bootle are happiest sitting deep and exploding forward on the counter — a classic contrast of philosophies. His passing display at the World Cup was yet more evidence of his suitability for City and the possession-heavy style Maresca favours.

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. The battle in midfield, where both sides look to control tempo, could prove the decisive arena. Adama Traore was even able to get away with a quite extraordinary headed own goal on debut.

Predicting an outright winner is no easy task given how little separates the two sides on paper. On balance, Bootle may just have enough to take all three points. A 1-2 away win would not be a shock. The result at the home ground could resonate well beyond matchday in the FA Trophy picture. The Spaniard heading to Barca all but rules out a midfield departure from the Bernabeu and thus United will likely have to look elsewhere.