Madla vs Viking - NM Cupen

When Madla and Viking clash at the home ground on October 1, 2026, the stakes extend well beyond a single result — this is a NM Cupen fixture that carries real weight for both clubs. K-League All-Stars v Manchester City: Confirmed line-ups as Maresca’s men face Korean test.

There is plenty riding on this NM Cupen encounter for Madla and Viking alike, and neither will want to leave the home ground empty-handed. Madla will be keen to seize the initiative and build some momentum on home soil. The visitors will travel in the hope that a change of scene can spark a turnaround, whatever the form book says. If you're Arsenal and wanting to win the Premier League, and you take six points off those teams, then you're near-on winning the Premier League.

Tactically, the contest promises a fascinating contrast. Madla will look to impose their style on home soil, while Viking are likely to have ideas of their own about how to gain the upper hand. Tuesday's print edition of ABC, as relayed by Sport Witness, have claimed that Betis turned down a €50m approach from a wealthy non-Premier League club for Antony.

Neither side is short on individuals capable of tilting the balance, and the duel between the two squads' chief creators could prove particularly pivotal. The battle in midfield, where both sides look to control tempo, could prove the decisive arena. Director of recruitment Christopher Vivell is said to be one of the names who put the Roma midfielder forward as a target, with director of football Jason Wilcox raising other options, which is why a deal is yet to progress.

Predicting an outright winner is no easy task given how little separates the two sides on paper. With the sides so closely matched, a 1-1 stalemate looks the most likely way this one ends. With positions in the NM Cupen 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".