Kraft vs VPS II - Kakkonen - Lohko C

The history between Kraft and VPS II lends this Kakkonen - Lohko C fixture an extra layer of spice, and when the two walk out at the home ground on September 19, 2026, recent encounters will be on everyone's mind. 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.

Kraft head into the contest positioned 6th in the Kakkonen - Lohko C standings, while VPS II arrive sitting 4th. The hosts have mirrored the form of a side still searching for rhythm — LLWLL over their last five, a win rate of 38.89%. The visitors have been hard to predict on their travels, LWWLL in their last five reflecting a win rate of 38.89%. The contrast in attacking output — 2.78 versus 2.61 goals per game — adds an extra layer of intrigue. If you're Arsenal and wanting to win the Premier League, and you take six points off those teams, then you're near-on winning the Premier League.

Tactically, the contest promises a fascinating contrast. Kraft will look to impose their style on home soil, while VPS II are likely to have ideas of their own about how to gain the upper hand. And his efficiency in possession will be helped by those whom he now shares a dressing room with, allowing a more progressive midfielder to develop akin to City's style.

The fixture features no shortage of talent, and the league's top marksman Axel Hansell — 2 goals this term — will be one to watch. Set-piece specialists and aerial threats on both sides mean dead-ball situations could carry outsized importance. Ajax's struggles have become a soap opera but new boss Michel has delivered seven wins and two draws across all competitions to ensure they at least have a Conference League campaign to look forward to.

The fixture has the feel of a coin-flip, and picking a winner with any conviction would require a braver pundit than most. On balance, VPS II may just have enough to take all three points. A 3-4 away win would not be a shock. With positions in the Kakkonen - Lohko C table to defend and momentum to chase, neither side can afford to leave anything in the tank. The 22-year-old was likely quite high up on the list of United's midfield targets and potentially even higher after Aurelien Tchouameni and Eduardo Camavinga blows.