Ilves II vs Honka - Kakkonen - Lohko B

A fascinating Kakkonen - Lohko B chapter awaits on September 13, 2026 when Ilves II take on Honka at the home ground — two sides with plenty to play for and everything to prove. 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.

Both camps will view the Kakkonen - Lohko B meeting at the home ground as an opportunity to put a marker down, regardless of where they currently stand. The hosts have done enough without setting the world alight, WWWLL over their last five and a 44.44% win rate to their name. Few sides travel as well as the visitors, with LWWDW in their last five and a win rate of 72.22% marking them out as a class apart. Their respective approaches this season have differed noticeably, and the tactical contrast could prove telling. During his 22 matches in charge, Oxford actually ranked as high as 14th in the table.

The tactical battle could prove decisive. Ilves II may lean on their home advantage to dictate the tempo, but Honka have shown they can be dangerous when allowed to play on their own terms. Few of Bouaddi's age possess such a rare blend of physicality off the ball, and poise and balance in possession.

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. Set-piece specialists and aerial threats on both sides mean dead-ball situations could carry outsized importance. The reigning champions made it four wins from four in the league and are yet to concede a goal in their title defence.

With the sides closely matched, the outcome may well hinge on which team takes its chances on the day. A share of the spoils looks the most probable outcome, with neither side holding a decisive edge — a 3-3 draw feels like a fitting result. With positions in the Kakkonen - Lohko B table to defend and momentum to chase, neither side can afford to leave anything in the tank. The team currently most likely to win the 2026 WNBA Finals according to Opta.