Llapi vs Shkendija - Friendlies Clubs

The history between Llapi and Shkendija lends this Friendlies Clubs fixture an extra layer of spice, and when the two walk out at the home ground on October 3, 2026, recent encounters will be on everyone's mind. Why Manchester United face transfer dilemma with unexpected star of pre-season.

Both Llapi and Shkendija will be eager to build momentum when they meet in Friendlies Clubs. The hosts will be looking to find their rhythm and put a run of results together. Shkendija's away form is hard to read, but they will arrive with the belief that they can trouble their hosts. The Saudi Pro League side have now placed a €45 million package on the table, while Watkins himself is understood to be open to making the move.

Stylistically, this is a compelling matchup. Llapi favour a patient, possession-based approach, whereas Shkendija are at their most dangerous when allowed to hit quickly on the counter. And his efficiency in possession will be helped by those whom he now shares a dressing room with, allowing a more progressive midfielder to develop akin to City's style.

The fixture is likely to be shaped by its key performers, with creative midfielders and clinical finishers on both sides capable of turning the game in an instant. How each side deals with the other's danger men — and who takes their chances when they come — will be central to the outcome. Carl Rushworth is set to follow Welbeck out of the exit door as he makes his move to Coventry permanent, while defender Igor Julio does not feature in Hurzeler's plans and has interest from Espanyol and other clubs in Europe.

The market has yet to form a strong view, and the contest looks genuinely difficult to call. Expect a tight, competitive affair that could easily end all square at 1-1. With positions in the Friendlies Clubs 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".