Puskás II vs Budaörs - NB III - Northwest

A fascinating NB III - Northwest chapter awaits on April 5, 2026 when Puskás II take on Budaörs at Puskás Akadémia Pancho Aréna — two sides with plenty to play for and everything to prove. The spectacle was once again on show ahead of Nice’s Europa League clash with AS Roma on Thursday, but what was supposed to be a display of power and pride quickly turned into a far more comical scene.

The two sides arrive with plenty to prove, and the NB III - Northwest contest at Puskás Akadémia Pancho Aréna offers a chance to lay down a marker. It has been a solid if unspectacular run for the hosts — LWWWL across their last five with a win rate of 42.86% — and they will want to push on from here. Budaörs will travel with intent, knowing that a positive result here could kick-start their campaign. 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.

The tactical battle could prove decisive. Puskás II may lean on their home advantage to dictate the tempo, but Budaörs have shown they can be dangerous when allowed to play on their own terms. Andoni Iraola could not have been clearer about how he plans to change Liverpool when speaking in his opening press conference.

Neither side is short on individuals capable of tilting the balance, and the duel between the two squads' chief creators could prove particularly pivotal. Set-piece specialists and aerial threats on both sides mean dead-ball situations could carry outsized importance. Speaking to The United Stand, he claims Michael Carrick would potentially prefer a player like Aurelien Tchouameni over the Roma midfielder, or an alternative with Premier League experience.

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 2-2 draw feels like a fitting result. The result at Puskás Akadémia Pancho Aréna could resonate well beyond matchday in the NB III - Northwest picture. 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.