South Shields vs Witton Albion - FA Cup

A fascinating FA Cup chapter awaits on September 19, 2026 when South Shields take on Witton Albion at the home ground — two sides with plenty to play for and everything to prove. Anderson was pointing out that City had held the whip hand in this fixture "for as long as I've known", which isn't exactly inaccurate but will also fan the flames ahead of Sunday's Old Trafford showdown.

Both camps will view the FA Cup meeting at the home ground as an opportunity to put a marker down, regardless of where they currently stand. The hosts will be looking to find their rhythm and put a run of results together. The visitors will back themselves to cause problems and will not make the trip expecting an easy afternoon. The Nottingham Forest playmaker is not anticipated to leave the City Ground this summer, unless a substantial transfer fee is put on the table.

Tactically, the contest promises a fascinating contrast. South Shields will look to impose their style on home soil, while Witton Albion are likely to have ideas of their own about how to gain the upper hand. After the loss, a lot of questions began to be raised about their different approach to preparing for the game.

Individual moments of quality could tip the balance. Both sides possess players capable of producing something out of nothing, and a single flash of brilliance may be all that separates them. Discipline at the back and sharpness in front of goal will likely tilt the balance one way or the other. He cuts inside from the right, jinxes past a defender, before his shot is saved by Esquivel.

Without the market to lean on, the contest feels genuinely open — and the outcome may come down to which side handles the occasion better. The signals point towards a stalemate, with the two sides closely matched across form and standings. A 1-1 draw is easy to envisage. The result at the home ground could resonate well beyond matchday in the FA Cup picture. Joe Gomez is expected to miss the start of Liverpool's Premier League campaign through injury - but it is not likely to impact the Reds' transfer plans.