Long An vs Bắc Ninh - Cup

Tactical intrigue takes centre stage on September 19, 2026 as Long An and Bắc Ninh prepare to square off at the home ground, with both managers known for their strategic nuance in the Cup. 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.

Form and standings can only tell part of the story when Long An and Bắc Ninh cross paths in the Cup, and pride alone should guarantee a contest. The hosts will hope that the the home ground crowd can inspire a performance, whatever the numbers suggest. The visitors will travel in the hope that a change of scene can spark a turnaround, whatever the form book says. The 24-year-old finished first in one of Arsenal's big pre-season testing challenges - a 1.4km run at full pace.

How the two sides approach the contest strategically will be key. Long An will want to control proceedings in front of their own supporters, while Bắc Ninh will back themselves to cause problems on the break. Andoni Iraola could not have been clearer about how he plans to change Liverpool when speaking in his opening press conference.

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. Former Manchester United midfielder Paul Pogba has thanked AS Monaco after his contract was terminated by the club.

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. The ramifications of this result could ripple through the Cup standings for weeks to come, regardless of who comes out on top. Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player Liverpool's midfield wasn't great last year but I expect Florian Wirtz to have a better season, 100 per cent.