Santa Fe vs Chico - Primera A

Santa Fe prepare to host Chico at the home ground on August 8, 2026, with both sides eager to assert their credentials and claim a result that could define their Primera A season. O'Neill made five changes for Celtic's midweek win at St Johnstone as he rested some key players ahead of Sunday's clash.

The two sides arrive with plenty to prove, and the Primera A contest at the home ground offers a chance to lay down a marker. Santa Fe have blown hot and cold, WDDDW across their last five and a win rate of 37.5% that leaves room for improvement. Chico have struggled to string results together away from home, L over their last five with a win rate of 26.32%. Their respective approaches this season have differed noticeably, and the tactical contrast could prove telling. If the recent winter window is anything to go off, meanwhile, United are once again unlikely to spend big for reinforcement half-way through the season.

Pressing intensity will define the contest. Santa Fe will seek to win the ball high up the pitch and suffocate Chico's build-up, while the visitors will aim to play through the pressure and exploit the spaces it leaves behind. Andoni Iraola could not have been clearer about how he plans to change Liverpool when speaking in his opening press conference.

When Y. Guzmán is on the pitch — 16 goals to his name this term — moments of magic are never far away, and the Primera A's top scorer will be central to how this one unfolds. Set-piece specialists and aerial threats on both sides mean dead-ball situations could carry outsized importance. Arsenal’s pursuit of Ezri Konsa appears to be entering a decisive stage, with growing suggestions that the Aston Villa defender could finally complete his move to the Emirates.

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. With the standings tight and form on the line, this is a fixture neither side will want to lose. Fulham's Antonee Robinson could be one of those, who would likely be a cheaper alternative to Hall, who has just enjoyed a breakout season with the Magpies.