Llapi vs Ferizaj - Superliga

The history between Llapi and Ferizaj lends this Superliga fixture an extra layer of spice, and when the two walk out at the home ground on April 4, 2026, recent encounters will be on everyone's mind. O'Neill made five changes for Celtic's midweek win at St Johnstone as he rested some key players ahead of Sunday's clash.

There is little to choose between Llapi and Ferizaj on paper, and the Superliga encounter should reflect that balance. The hosts are desperate for a lift, with LLL in their last five and a win rate of 14.29% that underscores the size of the task facing them. The visitors will travel in the hope that a change of scene can spark a turnaround, whatever the form book says. Meanwhile, Paige Bueckers struggled to find her rhythm, going 5-for-13 for 15 points in the loss.

Tactically, the contest promises a fascinating contrast. Llapi will look to impose their style on home soil, while Ferizaj are likely to have ideas of their own about how to gain the upper hand. 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. Discipline at the back and sharpness in front of goal will likely tilt the balance one way or the other. City are contingency planning like any club would and are believed to be in talks with Lille to sign the highly rated 18-year-old Morocco midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi, who impressed at the World Cup.

With the sides closely matched, the outcome may well hinge on which team takes its chances on the day. Neither side holds a clear edge, and a 1-1 draw would be a fitting reflection of the balance between them. With the standings tight and form on the line, this is a fixture neither side will want to lose. A more central role appears likely given the sale of Youri Tielemans to Manchester United and the anterior cruciate ligament injury suffered by Amadou Onana at the World Cup.