Würzburger Kickers vs Stuttgart II - 3. Liga

The 3. Liga returns to the home ground on September 6, 2026, where Würzburger Kickers and Stuttgart II will lock horns in a contest that could shape their respective campaigns. United could come up against Garnacho once again this forthcoming season, with United scheduled to face Villa on November 7 at Old Trafford, before the return visit to Villa Park on January 16.

Positionally there is a clear hierarchy: Würzburger Kickers sit 19th, Stuttgart II lie 14th, but the 3. Liga has a habit of defying such logic. The hosts have found wins hard to come by, LLLWD across their last five telling the story of a win rate of 20%. The visitors have been a steady presence on the road, LWLLW in their last five and a campaign win rate of 40%. One side has leaned on a miserly defence, the other on a free-scoring attack, and the meeting of those contrasting strengths promises an intriguing tactical subtext. Michael Carrick has spoken on why Marcus Rashford did not feature for Manchester United in the club's most recent pre-season outing.

Tactically, the contest promises a fascinating contrast. Würzburger Kickers will look to impose their style on home soil, while Stuttgart II are likely to have ideas of their own about how to gain the upper hand. His passing display at the World Cup was yet more evidence of his suitability for City and the possession-heavy style Maresca favours.

The fixture features no shortage of talent, and the league's top marksman V. Thill — 1 goals this term — will be one to watch. Discipline at the back and sharpness in front of goal will likely tilt the balance one way or the other. Parma have officially announced their signing of centre-forward El Bilal Toure, who became the most expensive arrival in Atalanta’s history when he joined from Almeria in the summer of 2023.

Predicting an outright winner is no easy task given how little separates the two sides on paper. Given the balance of the numbers, Stuttgart II look capable of springing a surprise on the road — a 2-3 away victory is a distinct possibility. The ramifications of this result could ripple through the 3. Liga standings for weeks to come, regardless of who comes out on top. 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.