KDV vs Khimik Dzerzhinsk - Second League - Group 4

The history between KDV and Khimik Dzerzhinsk lends this Second League - Group 4 fixture an extra layer of spice, and when the two walk out at the home ground on October 4, 2026, recent encounters will be on everyone's mind. Enzo Maresca and Rico Lewis held a pre-match press conference on Saturday as Manchester City prepare to face Atletico Madrid in their third pre-season friendly of the summer.

The two sides arrive with plenty to prove, and the Second League - Group 4 contest at the home ground offers a chance to lay down a marker. The hosts have been in fine fettle of late, their recent run of LLWWW underlining a campaign win rate of 77.27%. The visitors arrive in confident mood, their recent run of WWLWW backed by a season win rate of 81.82%. Where KDV have leaned on defensive discipline, Khimik Dzerzhinsk have often taken the initiative going forward, and that stylistic difference should shape the contest. The Reds continue to retain an interest in the midfielder Manu Kone and left-back Lewis Hall, while one remaining high-profile departure this summer could come in the form of Marcus Rashford.

The touchline duel between the two managers adds another layer of intrigue, with both likely to tweak their setups in search of a decisive edge. 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.

With Ruslan Metkalov leading the league's scoring charts at 3 goals, the contest is unlikely to be short of attacking intent. How each side deals with the other's danger men — and who takes their chances when they come — will be central to the outcome. Brentford score three in dominant win over Chelsea to continue unbeaten start.

The market has yet to form a strong view, and the contest looks genuinely difficult to call. 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 Second League - Group 4 table to defend and momentum to chase, neither side can afford to leave anything in the tank. In terms of outgoings, Perri seems closest to an exit, but that will likely have to wait until Trafford's mandated holiday after the World Cup is over or a No 2 arrives.