Marbelli vs Alhaurino - Tercera División RFEF - Group 9

When Marbelli and Alhaurino clash at the home ground on October 11, 2026, the stakes extend well beyond a single result — this is a Tercera División RFEF - Group 9 fixture that carries real weight for both clubs. O'Neill made five changes for Celtic's midweek win at St Johnstone as he rested some key players ahead of Sunday's clash.

Both camps will view the Tercera División RFEF - Group 9 meeting at the home ground as an opportunity to put a marker down, regardless of where they currently stand. Marbelli are operating at a remarkable level, their W run and a season win rate of 66.67% placing them among the Tercera División RFEF - Group 9's very best. The visitors have been a mixed bag on the road, W in their last five and a win rate of 33.33% reflecting their unpredictability. One side has leaned on a miserly defence, the other on a free-scoring attack, and the meeting of those contrasting strengths promises an intriguing tactical subtext. Tim Sherwood makes his predictions for the new Premier League season, including who he thinks will make the top four in the table.

Stylistically, this is a compelling matchup. Marbelli favour a patient, possession-based approach, whereas Alhaurino are at their most dangerous when allowed to hit quickly on the counter. Andoni Iraola, like Luis Enrique, is a coach who demands that his players press high.

In fixtures as finely poised as this one, it often comes down to who holds their nerve in the big moments — and both camps have players who relish that responsibility. Discipline at the back and sharpness in front of goal will likely tilt the balance one way or the other. Baleba failed to register a single Premier League goal or assist Under Fabian Hurzeler in 2025/26, despite featuring 31 times in total.

Predictions are tricky when the sides are this evenly matched, and small margins — a moment of quality, a slice of luck — could decide it either way. Neither side holds a clear edge, and a 2-2 draw would be a fitting reflection of the balance between them. The result at the home ground could resonate well beyond matchday in the Tercera División RFEF - Group 9 picture. Manchester City will begin another Premier League season with major uncertainty hanging over the club after league chief executive Richard Masters admitted the long-awaited verdict on their financial case has taken longer than expected.