Vissel Kobe vs Sagan Tosu - Emperor Cup

Few would have predicted the narrative arc that brings Vissel Kobe and Sagan Tosu together at the home ground on September 23, 2026, and the underdog storyline only adds to the Emperor Cup occasion. Real have been keen to sign the Spain captain from Manchester City, but they now face competition from Barcelona for the 30-year-old, who has a year remaining on his contract at the Etihad.

There is little to choose between Vissel Kobe and Sagan Tosu on paper, and the Emperor Cup encounter should reflect that balance. The hosts will hope that the the home ground crowd can inspire a performance, whatever the numbers suggest. The visitors will back themselves to cause problems and will not make the trip expecting an easy afternoon. 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.

Wing play is likely to be central to the contest. Vissel Kobe will look to stretch the pitch and isolate their wide attackers, while Sagan Tosu must find a way to compress the space and choke the supply lines. They were slightly found out against Amorim's Milan in pre-season, with the press not quite sharp enough - the fourth goal, in particular, came from just one ball over a high-lined defence.

The fixture is likely to be shaped by its key performers, with creative midfielders and clinical finishers on both sides capable of turning the game in an instant. The battle in midfield, where both sides look to control tempo, could prove the decisive arena. Two weeks later, Danny Welbeck marked his own debut with a goal for Manchester United.

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. A share of the spoils looks the most probable outcome, with neither side holding a decisive edge — a 1-1 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. 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.