Mladost DG vs Dečić - First League

A fascinating First League chapter awaits on April 8, 2026 when Mladost DG take on Dečić at DG Arena — two sides with plenty to play for and everything to prove. 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.

There is little to choose between Mladost DG and Dečić on paper, and the First League encounter should reflect that balance. The hosts have struggled for consistency, L in their last five pointing to a win rate of 33.33%. On their travels the visitors have been workmanlike, DDL in their last five and a win rate of 44.44% to show for it. Goals could be in short supply or plentiful — Mladost DG average 0.89 per game to Dečić's 1.11, and that gap may dictate the rhythm of the contest. Larson’s long-term plans have attracted renewed attention following teammate Alex Bowman’s recent announcement that he intends to retire from full-time Cup Series competition at the end of the 2027 season.

Set-piece efficiency could prove the difference on the night. Both Mladost DG and Dečić have invested time in dead-ball situations this season, and a single corner or free-kick may settle it. Amad won possession in the PSG half before laying the ball off for Bryan Mbeumo to score.

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. The wide areas will be a key battleground, with full-backs and wingers on either side capable of swinging the contest one way or the other. The midfielder looked good at the World Cup for France but it has been claimed that Jason Wilcox is yet to be sold while Michael Carrick may prefer a more proven option.

Without the market to lean on, the contest feels genuinely open — and the outcome may come down to which side handles the occasion better. With the sides so closely matched, a 1-1 stalemate looks the most likely way this one ends. With positions in the First League 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.