Mogren vs Kom - Second League

Tactical intrigue takes centre stage on October 4, 2026 as Mogren and Kom prepare to square off at the home ground, with both managers known for their strategic nuance in the Second League. O'Neill made five changes for Celtic's midweek win at St Johnstone as he rested some key players ahead of Sunday's clash.

There is little to choose between Mogren and Kom on paper, and the Second League encounter should reflect that balance. Patchy would be the kindest description of Mogren's recent run: LL in their last five, a season win rate of 33.33%. The visitors have been a mixed bag on the road, DD in their last five and a win rate of 33.33% reflecting their unpredictability. 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. The on-loan Southampton striker had scored on his debut for Auxerre in defeat last weekend but followed it up with the winning goal against Nice to earn his old boss Will Still his first points in the job.

The tactical battle could prove decisive. Mogren may lean on their home advantage to dictate the tempo, but Kom have shown they can be dangerous when allowed to play on their own terms. The winner came from a rare counter-attack by the new-look Spurs side, who defended well throughout with Andy Robertson making his first start and Jan Paul van Hecke on debut, as they battled to secure another win in pre-season.

Neither side is short on individuals capable of tilting the balance, and the duel between the two squads' chief creators could prove particularly pivotal. 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. However, the Scotland striker has not hit the ground running in Govan and was on the bench for the 5-1 home League Cup win over St Mirren on Sunday, with midfielder Nico Raskin taking the armband.

With the sides closely matched, the outcome may well hinge on which team takes its chances on the day. The signals point towards a stalemate, with the two sides closely matched across form and standings. A 2-2 draw is easy to envisage. With the standings tight and form on the line, this is a fixture neither side will want to lose. The club are understood to favour a profile closer to Aurelien Tchouameni or a Premier League‑proven alternative rather than Manu Kone.