SV Meppen vs Havelse - 3. Liga

The history between SV Meppen and Havelse lends this 3. Liga fixture an extra layer of spice, and when the two walk out at Hänsch-Arena on October 17, 2026, recent encounters will be on everyone's mind. It has not been a daunting fixture list but there are signs that Mourinho has found a way to get the best from an increasingly stacked Madrid squad.

Positionally there is a clear hierarchy: SV Meppen sit 16th, Havelse lie 20th, but the 3. Liga has a habit of defying such logic. The hosts have struggled for consistency, WDLLL in their last five pointing to a win rate of 33.33%. The visitors have been enduring a wretched campaign, DLLLL in their last five and a season win rate of just 11.11% that leaves them deep in trouble. Goals could be in short supply or plentiful — SV Meppen average 1.22 per game to Havelse's 1.33, and that gap may dictate the rhythm of the contest. He went on to play 309 games in the league, averaging 10.2 points per game across his career.

The tactical battle could prove decisive. SV Meppen may lean on their home advantage to dictate the tempo, but Havelse have shown they can be dangerous when allowed to play on their own terms. His passing display at the World Cup was yet more evidence of his suitability for City and the possession-heavy style Maresca favours.

The fixture features no shortage of talent, and the league's top marksman V. Thill — 1 goals this term — will be one to watch. The battle in midfield, where both sides look to control tempo, could prove the decisive arena. However, it has been said that after asking for information on Zirkzee and Chelsea striker Nicolas Jackson, the Blues forward is a more feasible option.

The market fancies SV Meppen at 1.6100, with the draw at 4.0500 and Havelse at 4.0000 — pricing that reflects the balance of power without ruling out an upset. The odds paint SV Meppen as the likely victors, and anything less than a home win would be regarded as an upset. All the indicators point to a commanding home win, with SV Meppen tipped to run out 1-1 winners. With positions in the 3. Liga table to defend and momentum to chase, neither side can afford to leave anything in the tank. That would lead most to think that Rahm is likely to spend the 2027 season on the DP World Tour.