JS Hercules vs Kraft - Kakkonen - Lohko C

A fascinating Kakkonen - Lohko C chapter awaits on May 23, 2026 when JS Hercules take on Kraft at the home ground — two sides with plenty to play for and everything to prove. That coronation came from City's £116m summer signing Elliot Anderson - and has been hotly debated in the build-up to the Manchester derby Super Sunday showdown at Old Trafford, which you can watch live on Sky Sports.

Form and standings can only tell part of the story when JS Hercules and Kraft cross paths in the Kakkonen - Lohko C, and pride alone should guarantee a contest. Consistency has eluded JS Hercules in recent weeks, with W in their last five and a win rate of 33.33% that tells of an up-and-down campaign. Kraft have blown hot and cold, LLWLL across their last five and a season win rate of 38.89%. Where JS Hercules have leaned on defensive discipline, Kraft have often taken the initiative going forward, and that stylistic difference should shape the contest. Central midfield remains a position Leeds are keen to add in despite so far failing to reach an agreement with Southampton for Shea Charles.

Set-piece efficiency could prove the difference on the night. Both JS Hercules and Kraft have invested time in dead-ball situations this season, and a single corner or free-kick may settle it. They were slightly found out against Amorim's Milan in pre-season, with the press not quite sharp enough - the fourth goal, in particular, came from just one ball over a high-lined defence.

Individual quality could tip the balance. The league's leading scorer Axel Hansell, with 2 goals to his name this season, is a reminder of the firepower on display. Discipline at the back and sharpness in front of goal will likely tilt the balance one way or the other. Former Blackburn forward Sammie Szmodics ran clear on to a long pass from Ward but was stopped as he collided with Gregoire Coudert.

Without the market to lean on, the contest feels genuinely open — and the outcome may come down to which side handles the occasion better. With the sides so closely matched, a 3-3 stalemate looks the most likely way this one ends. The result at the home ground could resonate well beyond matchday in the Kakkonen - Lohko C picture. A more central role appears likely given the sale of Youri Tielemans to Manchester United and the anterior cruciate ligament injury suffered by Amadou Onana at the World Cup.