PSM Makassar vs Persita - Liga 1

Few would have predicted the narrative arc that brings PSM Makassar and Persita together at the home ground on September 19, 2026, and the underdog storyline only adds to the Liga 1 occasion. LIV Golf definitely changed the face of the professional game with the extortionate amounts of money that they pumped into the league.

PSM Makassar head into the contest positioned 15th in the Liga 1 standings, while Persita arrive sitting 6th. Results have been in short supply for the hosts, with DL across their last five and a campaign win rate of 0% that makes for grim reading. On their travels the visitors have been workmanlike, WD in their last five and a win rate of 50% to show for it. 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. Fulham are starting to do some business now that Alvaro Arbeloa's feet are under the table as new head coach.

Wing play is likely to be central to the contest. PSM Makassar will look to stretch the pitch and isolate their wide attackers, while Persita must find a way to compress the space and choke the supply lines. Tuesday's print edition of ABC, as relayed by Sport Witness, have claimed that Betis turned down a €50m approach from a wealthy non-Premier League club for Antony.

Star players on both sides will be eager to make their mark, and the individual duels across the pitch could go a long way to deciding the outcome. 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. Mikel Arteta has prioritised another versatile defender following injury problems involving William Saliba and Jurriën Timber.

Predictions are tricky when the sides are this evenly matched, and small margins — a moment of quality, a slice of luck — could decide it either way. Persita look well-equipped to take the points on the road, with a 2-3 victory well within their reach. With positions in the Liga 1 table to defend and momentum to chase, neither side can afford to leave anything in the tank. Harry Kane is the favourite to win the Ballon d’Or.