EPS vs Ilves II - Kakkonen - Lohko B

There is a notable edge to this Kakkonen - Lohko B fixture. When EPS meet Ilves II at the home ground on April 25, 2026, both will sense an opportunity to land a telling blow. Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player Ahead of the first leg of the UEFA Conference League play-off tie against Czech side Jablonec at Ibrox on Thursday, McInnes said: "I said that when I spoke to Lawrence.

The two sides arrive with plenty to prove, and the Kakkonen - Lohko B contest at the home ground offers a chance to lay down a marker. The hosts have been steady if unspectacular, LDLWW in their last five reflecting a win rate of 55.56%. Ilves II have travelled reasonably well, WWWLL over their last five with a season win rate of 44.44%. Where EPS have built their campaign on solidity, Ilves II have often chased flair, and that fundamental difference should make for compelling viewing. The on-loan Southampton striker had scored on his debut for Auxerre in defeat last weekend but followed it up with the winning goal against Nice to earn his old boss Will Still his first points in the job.

The tactical subplot is compelling: EPS favour a possession-based game built on patience and control, while Ilves II are happiest sitting deep and exploding forward on the counter — a classic contrast of philosophies. Schalke had only 17 per cent of the possession but, having visited the club to interview their charismatic coach Miron Muslic, that is hardly a surprise.

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. In the Premier League alone, Hall enjoyed a breakthrough season under Eddie Hall, scoring a goal and bagging an assists in 30 appearances.

The market has yet to form a strong view, and the contest looks genuinely difficult to call. The signals point towards a stalemate, with the two sides closely matched across form and standings. A 3-3 draw is easy to envisage. The result at the home ground could resonate well beyond matchday in the Kakkonen - Lohko B picture. Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player Liverpool's midfield wasn't great last year but I expect Florian Wirtz to have a better season, 100 per cent.