BFA vs Babrungas - 1 Lyga

The history between BFA and Babrungas lends this 1 Lyga fixture an extra layer of spice, and when the two walk out at the home ground on September 4, 2026, recent encounters will be on everyone's mind. O'Neill made five changes for Celtic's midweek win at St Johnstone as he rested some key players ahead of Sunday's clash.

Both camps will view the 1 Lyga meeting at the home ground as an opportunity to put a marker down, regardless of where they currently stand. BFA have held their own of late, DW in their last five reflecting a steady win rate of 52%. Few sides travel as well as the visitors, with WW in their last five and a win rate of 76% marking them out as a class apart. Where BFA have built their campaign on solidity, Babrungas have often chased flair, and that fundamental difference should make for compelling viewing. That result ended the European giants' 14-game unbeaten run in the competition, as Fede Valverde, Eduardo Camavinga and Jude Bellingham were contained by an "incredible" performance from a player barely anyone outside of France had heard of.

Set-piece efficiency could prove the difference on the night. Both BFA and Babrungas have invested time in dead-ball situations this season, and a single corner or free-kick may settle it. Everton are aware of interest from Saudi Pro League club Al Hilal, but there has been no formal approach or contact with them, and they have no appetite to sell the 26-year-old, who has three years on his deal.

All eyes will be on the league's leading marksman Taiwo Oluwasefunmi, whose 1 goals this season make him the standout threat and a player capable of deciding the outcome on his own. 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. The Premier League champions have been looking for a new defender with William Saliba out for an extended period of time and Jurrien Timber also sidelined with a long-term groin problem.

Without the market to lean on, the contest feels genuinely open — and the outcome may come down to which side handles the occasion better. Expect a tight, competitive affair that could easily end all square at 2-2. With the standings tight and form on the line, this is a fixture neither side will want to lose. Important qualities given that Bournemouth will expect him to be proactive.