Dynamo Abomey vs Loto Popo - Championnat National

Few would have predicted the narrative arc that brings Dynamo Abomey and Loto Popo together at the home ground on September 26, 2026, and the underdog storyline only adds to the Championnat National occasion. The 74-year-old Hoops boss admitted that "it'll be a bit strange not having the (Celtic) fans in but I'm nervously and excitedly looking forward to it; it's a great fixture" and also spoke about the police visit.

There is little to choose between Dynamo Abomey and Loto Popo on paper, and the Championnat National encounter should reflect that balance. Dynamo Abomey will be keen to seize the initiative and build some momentum on home soil. The visitors will travel in the hope that a change of scene can spark a turnaround, whatever the form book says. Carrick has experimented with Noussair Mazraoui in that position but he seems to have fallen down the pecking order, as the less experienced Patrick Dorgu was preferred for the Manchester derby loss.

The tactical subplot is compelling: Dynamo Abomey favour a possession-based game built on patience and control, while Loto Popo are happiest sitting deep and exploding forward on the counter — a classic contrast of philosophies. There is interest in adding another forward player who can play in one of those wide No 10 roles behind the striker in the 3-4-2-1 formation that Sage is expected to continue with at Selhurst Park.

Star players on both sides will be eager to make their mark, and the individual duels across the pitch could go a long way to deciding the outcome. How each side deals with the other's danger men — and who takes their chances when they come — will be central to the outcome. Paris Saint-Germain finally picked up their first win of the Ligue 1 season as Ferran Torres scored the only goal at Brest.

With the sides closely matched, the outcome may well hinge on which team takes its chances on the day. Expect a tight, competitive affair that could easily end all square at 1-1. The ramifications of this result could ripple through the Championnat National standings for weeks to come, regardless of who comes out on top. Important qualities given that Bournemouth will expect him to be proactive.