Rhode Island vs Hartford Athletic - US Open Cup

All eyes turn to the home ground on April 1, 2026 as Rhode Island welcome Hartford Athletic in a US Open Cup encounter that promises tension, intrigue and no shortage of subplot. Mason Mount has been outstanding for Man Utd in pre-season but he could still face fierce competition for a place in Michael Carrick's side next season.

There is little to choose between Rhode Island and Hartford Athletic on paper, and the US Open Cup encounter should reflect that balance. Rhode Island's recent form is difficult to quantify, but the occasion itself should bring the best out of them. Hartford Athletic will travel with intent, knowing that a positive result here could kick-start their campaign. Rodri's future remains one of the major talking points as Barcelona step up interest in the World Cup winner.

Tactically, the contest promises a fascinating contrast. Rhode Island will look to impose their style on home soil, while Hartford Athletic are likely to have ideas of their own about how to gain the upper hand. 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.

Individual quality could tip the balance. The league's leading scorer A. Méndez, with 1 goals to his name this season, is a reminder of the firepower on display. The battle in midfield, where both sides look to control tempo, could prove the decisive arena. According to the figures from the World Cup, only Kylian Mbappe scored more goals and produced more direct goal contributions than Messi, who finished with eight goals and 12 goal involvements while also recording four assists.

Predicting an outright winner is no easy task given how little separates the two sides on paper. Neither side holds a clear edge, and a 1-1 draw would be a fitting reflection of the balance between them. With positions in the US Open Cup table to defend and momentum to chase, neither side can afford to leave anything in the tank. 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.