Weston-super-Mare vs Wimborne Town - FA Cup

Weston-super-Mare prepare to host Wimborne Town at the home ground on September 19, 2026, with both sides eager to assert their credentials and claim a result that could define their FA Cup season. 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 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. Manchester City are nearing an agreement with Marseille for an experienced goalkeeper as they continue reshaping the position behind Gianluigi Donnarumma.

Wing play is likely to be central to the contest. Weston-super-Mare will look to stretch the pitch and isolate their wide attackers, while Wimborne Town must find a way to compress the space and choke the supply lines. His passing display at the World Cup was yet more evidence of his suitability for City and the possession-heavy style Maresca favours.

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. He describes himself as a box-to-box midfielder but is equally capable of operating on the wings or in an advanced No 10 role.

With the sides closely matched, the outcome may well hinge on which team takes its chances on the day. With the sides so closely matched, a 1-1 stalemate looks the most likely way this one ends. With positions in the FA Cup table to defend and momentum to chase, neither side can afford to leave anything in the tank. 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.