Kraft vs GBK - Kakkonen - Lohko C

A fascinating Kakkonen - Lohko C chapter awaits on May 17, 2026 when Kraft take on GBK at the home ground — two sides with plenty to play for and everything to prove. Rush will take over under centre for the Falcons as they prepare to face the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday, with the team’s quarterback situation taking an unexpected turn heading into the season opener.

Both camps will view the Kakkonen - Lohko C meeting at the home ground as an opportunity to put a marker down, regardless of where they currently stand. Consistency has eluded Kraft in recent weeks, with LLWLL in their last five and a win rate of 38.89% that tells of an up-and-down campaign. GBK travel in decent nick, WWLDW in their last five and a win rate of 55.56% this season. 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. Sky Sports columnist Laura Hunter analyses the big talking points from the first round of Women's Super League matches, bringing you closer to the key stories at the heart of the women's game.

Stylistically, this is a compelling matchup. Kraft favour a patient, possession-based approach, whereas GBK are at their most dangerous when allowed to hit quickly on the counter. 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.

When Axel Hansell is on the pitch — 2 goals to his name this term — moments of magic are never far away, and the Kakkonen - Lohko C's top scorer will be central to how this one unfolds. The battle in midfield, where both sides look to control tempo, could prove the decisive arena. Another midfielder is wanted after already signing Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans, with strengthening the left-hand side of their team also being a priority.

Without the market to lean on, the contest feels genuinely open — and the outcome may come down to which side handles the occasion better. 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. The ramifications of this result could ripple through the Kakkonen - Lohko C standings for weeks to come, regardless of who comes out on top. 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.