Shildon AFC vs Warrington Town - FA Cup

A fascinating FA Cup chapter awaits on September 5, 2026 when Shildon AFC take on Warrington Town at the home ground — two sides with plenty to play for and everything to prove. Just as was the case in the previous meeting between the teams in April of last year, when Emery's side gave them such a scare in the Champions League tie at Villa Park, PSG were hanging on at the end.

Shildon AFC head into the contest positioned 141st in the FA Cup standings, while Warrington Town arrive sitting 2nd. The hosts will be looking to find their rhythm and put a run of results together. The visitors will travel in the hope that a change of scene can spark a turnaround, whatever the form book says. Inter want to sign Curtis Jones, but as things stand their valuation falls well short of Liverpool's, especially in a market when other Premier League proven players in his position have moved for such big fees.

Wing play is likely to be central to the contest. Shildon AFC will look to stretch the pitch and isolate their wide attackers, while Warrington Town must find a way to compress the space and choke the supply lines. Moving the Dane on frees up space and gives the Partenopei greater room to press ahead with their incoming transfer plans.

Neither side is short on individuals capable of tilting the balance, and the duel between the two squads' chief creators could prove particularly pivotal. How each side deals with the other's danger men — and who takes their chances when they come — will be central to the outcome. City are also keen on a young striker to develop behind Erling Haaland and offer a different option and are one of the clubs keen on Eli Junior Kroupi, who Bournemouth say is not for sale.

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. Despite the home advantage enjoyed by Shildon AFC, the weight of evidence favours Warrington Town — a 1-2 away win is the call. Whatever the outcome, the FA Cup fixture promises a meaningful contest with real implications for both clubs. And Fonseca does not place too much weight on the decision of Roberto Martinez to omit him from the World Cup squad in favour of his Benfica team-mate Tomas Araujo.