Torpedo Moskva vs Veles - First League

When Torpedo Moskva and Veles clash at the home ground on September 17, 2026, the stakes extend well beyond a single result — this is a First League fixture that carries real weight for both clubs. O'Neill made five changes for Celtic's midweek win at St Johnstone as he rested some key players ahead of Sunday's clash.

Positionally there is a clear hierarchy: Torpedo Moskva sit 5th, Veles lie 3rd, but the First League has a habit of defying such logic. Confidence is coursing through the home camp, with LWWWW in their last five and a season win rate of 60% underscoring their momentum. The visitors arrive in confident mood, their recent run of LDWWW backed by a season win rate of 63.64%. Where Torpedo Moskva have leaned on defensive discipline, Veles have often taken the initiative going forward, and that stylistic difference should shape 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.

Wing play is likely to be central to the contest. Torpedo Moskva will look to stretch the pitch and isolate their wide attackers, while Veles must find a way to compress the space and choke the supply lines. Anderson can still play proactively from deep, but he will have other technical players around him to lighten the load in possession, and zones to hit rather than always playing to feet.

Game-changers are scattered across both line-ups, and the contest may well be decided by which side's match-winners deliver on the day. Discipline at the back and sharpness in front of goal will likely tilt the balance one way or the other. Once that deal is completed, Coventry want to bring in a left-back and a right winger, while there is also a possibility they target a new striker.

The market has yet to form a strong view, and the contest looks genuinely difficult to call. Despite the home advantage enjoyed by Torpedo Moskva, the weight of evidence favours Veles — a 2-3 away win is the call. With the standings tight and form on the line, this is a fixture neither side will want to lose. 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.