Križevci vs Jarun - Second NL

All eyes turn to the home ground on September 19, 2026 as Križevci welcome Jarun in a Second NL encounter that promises tension, intrigue and no shortage of subplot. O'Neill made five changes for Celtic's midweek win at St Johnstone as he rested some key players ahead of Sunday's clash.

The standings add context to the occasion — Križevci occupying 6th, Jarun perched in 5th — and the gap between them shapes the narrative. The hosts have been steady if unspectacular, W in their last five reflecting a win rate of 50%. Road trips have been a source of frustration for the visitors — D in their last five, a season win rate of 25%. Goals could be in short supply or plentiful — Križevci average 1.75 per game to Jarun's 2.25, and that gap may dictate the rhythm of the contest. He was sacked by Fiorentina after Che Adams' late goal for Torino left them bottom of the Serie A table with three defeats out of three.

Wing play is likely to be central to the contest. Križevci will look to stretch the pitch and isolate their wide attackers, while Jarun must find a way to compress the space and choke the supply lines. 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.

Individual moments of quality could tip the balance. Both sides possess players capable of producing something out of nothing, and a single flash of brilliance may be all that separates them. Set-piece specialists and aerial threats on both sides mean dead-ball situations could carry outsized importance. Recruitment director Christopher Vivell is among those who have put the Roma midfielder forward as a potential option, while director of football Jason Wilcox has highlighted other targets, contributing to the slow progress of any deal.

Without the market to lean on, the contest feels genuinely open — and the outcome may come down to which side handles the occasion better. Neither side holds a clear edge, and a 2-2 draw would be a fitting reflection of the balance between them. The ramifications of this result could ripple through the Second NL standings for weeks to come, regardless of who comes out on top. Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player Liverpool's midfield wasn't great last year but I expect Florian Wirtz to have a better season, 100 per cent.