Veles vs FC Sochi - First League

A fascinating First League chapter awaits on September 14, 2026 when Veles take on FC Sochi at the home ground — two sides with plenty to play for and everything to prove. O'Neill made five changes for Celtic's midweek win at St Johnstone as he rested some key players ahead of Sunday's clash.

Veles head into the contest positioned 2nd in the First League standings, while FC Sochi arrive sitting 4th. The hosts have been imperious, DWWWL in their last five underpinning an elite win rate of 70% that marks them out as genuine contenders. The visitors have been formidable away from home, LWWWW in their last five and a win rate of 60% that puts them in elite company. Where Veles have leaned on defensive discipline, FC Sochi have often taken the initiative going forward, and that stylistic difference should shape the contest. It’s safe to say that Paige Bueckers is putting up elite all-around numbers in her second WNBA season for the Dallas Wings, averaging over 20 points and nearly six assists a night.

Pressing intensity will define the contest. Veles will seek to win the ball high up the pitch and suffocate FC Sochi's build-up, while the visitors will aim to play through the pressure and exploit the spaces it leaves behind. And his efficiency in possession will be helped by those whom he now shares a dressing room with, allowing a more progressive midfielder to develop akin to City's style.

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. Whoever wins the individual duel between the two sides' chief playmakers is likely to dictate the rhythm and, ultimately, the destination of the points. Being at Eintracht Frankfurt to see that one was special as the perennial overachievers came from behind to score four second-half goals for a sensational win.

According to the odds, Veles are the side to beat (3.6600), the draw sits at 3.1400, and FC Sochi are priced at 2.0500 to spring a surprise. The market has edged towards FC Sochi, with the visitors marginal favourites despite being on the road. The signals point towards a stalemate, with the two sides closely matched across form and standings. A 2-2 draw is easy to envisage. Whatever the outcome, the First League fixture promises a meaningful contest with real implications for both clubs. And Fonseca does not place too much weight on the decision of Roberto Martinez to omit him from the World Cup squad in favour of his Benfica team-mate Tomas Araujo.