Kom vs Grbalj - Second League

The Second League returns to the home ground on September 16, 2026, where Kom and Grbalj will lock horns in a contest that could shape their respective campaigns. Jorge Salinas is of interest to Manchester United(Image: 2024 Soccrates Images B.V.) United are one of several Premier League clubs weighing up whether to meet Bologna’s €25m (£21.7m) valuation for Jhon Lucumi, according to Corriere di Bologna.

The standings add context to the occasion — Kom occupying 4th, Grbalj perched in 8th — and the gap between them shapes the narrative. It has been a solid if unspectacular run for the hosts — D across their last five with a win rate of 40% — and they will want to push on from here. Grbalj are searching for answers away from home, DLDWD over their last five with a campaign win rate of 20%. One side has leaned on a miserly defence, the other on a free-scoring attack, and the meeting of those contrasting strengths promises an intriguing tactical subtext. In his latest column, Paul Merson predicts the 2026/27 Premier League season at both ends of the table.

Tactically, the contest promises a fascinating contrast. Kom will look to impose their style on home soil, while Grbalj are likely to have ideas of their own about how to gain the upper hand. Rico Lewis played at right-back, but when City were in possession he tucked infield and supported the midfield pairing of Mateo Kovacic and Reijnders.

In fixtures as finely poised as this one, it often comes down to who holds their nerve in the big moments — and both camps have players who relish that responsibility. The battle in midfield, where both sides look to control tempo, could prove the decisive arena. Aston Villa have beaten Newcastle to the signing of Johan Manzambi after completing a club-record £59.5m deal for the midfielder from Freiburg.

Predicting an outright winner is no easy task given how little separates the two sides on paper. Backed by home advantage and superior form, Kom ought to prevail — a 2-1 victory looks the logical call. More than just three points is on the line at the home ground — this is a fixture that could shape the narrative of both clubs' seasons. It is understood that his next move is most likely to take him abroad - and potentially to the Premier League.