Dravinja vs Ilirija - 2. SNL

Dravinja prepare to host Ilirija at the home ground on May 6, 2026, with both sides eager to assert their credentials and claim a result that could define their 2. SNL season. O'Neill made five changes for Celtic's midweek win at St Johnstone as he rested some key players ahead of Sunday's clash.

There is plenty riding on this 2. SNL encounter for Dravinja and Ilirija alike, and neither will want to leave the home ground empty-handed. Dravinja are still searching for momentum, WL in their last five and a season win rate of just 14.29%. Ilirija travel in decent nick, WL in their last five and a win rate of 57.14% this season. Where Dravinja have leaned on defensive discipline, Ilirija have often taken the initiative going forward, and that stylistic difference should shape the contest. A young right-back is another position City are interested in adding in, while, in terms of outgoings, goalkeeper James Trafford is close to joining Leeds so will need to be replaced.

Wing play is likely to be central to the contest. Dravinja will look to stretch the pitch and isolate their wide attackers, while Ilirija must find a way to compress the space and choke the supply lines. The Germany club were said to be looking for an out-and-out striker to allow Harry Kane to play a deeper role, and made an approach for Sesko in 2024.

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. 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. Barcelona are believed to have received encouragement they stand a good chance of signing the midfielder should Rodri move in this window.

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 positions in the 2. SNL table to defend and momentum to chase, neither side can afford to leave anything in the tank. The 22-year-old was likely quite high up on the list of United's midfield targets and potentially even higher after Aurelien Tchouameni and Eduardo Camavinga blows.