River Ebro vs Comillas - Tercera División RFEF - Group 16

Few would have predicted the narrative arc that brings River Ebro and Comillas together at the home ground on September 6, 2026, and the underdog storyline only adds to the Tercera División RFEF - Group 16 occasion. 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.

Both camps will view the Tercera División RFEF - Group 16 meeting at the home ground as an opportunity to put a marker down, regardless of where they currently stand. The hosts are badly in need of a turnaround, with L in their last five and a win rate of just 0% highlighting their struggles. The visitors have been hard to predict on their travels, DLLD in their last five reflecting a win rate of 33.33%. 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. 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.

How the two sides approach the contest strategically will be key. River Ebro will want to control proceedings in front of their own supporters, while Comillas will back themselves to cause problems on the break. In his press conference on Friday, Tuchel admitted it 'hurt him' not to play the United man in America.

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 wide areas will be a key battleground, with full-backs and wingers on either side capable of swinging the contest one way or the other. England's captain scored his 150th goal for Bayern Munich in the 72nd minute - one with echoes of his winner against DR Congo at the World Cup - as the newcomers were beaten for the first time.

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. More than just three points is on the line at the home ground — this is a fixture that could shape the narrative of both clubs' seasons. Premier League chief executive Richard Masters says a verdict on the alleged charges against Manchester City "has taken longer than expected".