Dewa United FC vs Persik Kediri.

progresifjaya.co.id, JAKARTA – Dewa United FC with a new squad composition will face Persik Kediri in the first week of the Indonesia Super League season 2026/2027, Saturday, September 5, 2026 at Stadion Brawijaya, Kediri. In the last meeting in the 20th week of last season, the White Tiger squad managed to topple the Banten Warriors with a score of 2-1 at home. What about this season?

Comparing last season’s squad composition with the current one, it is certain that Dewa United FC will look different. Under the guidance of new head coach Marcos Loss, the team is highly likely to field a three-defender formation—whether it be Loss’s signature 3-5-2 or a flexible 3-4-3 or 3-4-2-1 setup. This marks a departure from the 4-3-3 formation used when they were defeated by Persik Kediri last season.

With a 3-5-2 formation, Dewa United FC will predictably rely on the pace of its wingers to dismantle opponents’ defenses. In addition to relying on new winger Carlos Lury on the left side, the right side will likely be filled between Eggy Maulana Vikri or Taisei Marukawa.

Whereas in the midfield, the composition of Ricky Kambuaya, Alexis Messidoro and Ivar Jenner – if his contract is extended is likely to be the mainstay.

In the forward line, it is likely that the two executors to be installed by Osmar Loss are Denilson Junior and Rafael Struick. Meanwhile in the backline, three tough defenders namely Nick Kuipers, Ko Myeong-seok, and Johnathan (Johnathan Carlos Pereira) are believed to be the top choices as winger Sonny Stevens guards the Banten Warriors goal.

If a 3-4-3 formation is employed—retaining the defensive trio of Nick Kuipers, Ko Myeong-seok, and Johnathan—Dewa United FC’s midfield would likely feature Carlos Lury, Ricky Kambuaya, Alexis Messidoro, and Jean Mangabeira, while the attack would consist of Denilson Junior, Eggy Maulana Vikri, and Rafael Struick.

Meanwhile, with a 3-4-2-1 formation, the squad composition would remain largely the same; the main difference would likely be Taisei Marukawa and Eggy Maulana Vikri playing as supporting strikers behind Denilson Junior, who would serve as the primary spearhead.

Judging from the prediction of the composition of this squad, there is enough hope for Banten Warrios to beat the White Tigers and win the first tripoin. But it is certain that it will not be easy to obtain.

By the way, Persik Kediri also made a squad reshuffle to face Indonesia Super League 2026/2027 by bringing a number of new players in various positions.

After retaining Marcos Reina as head coach, Persik Kediri has so far brought 11 new players.

Of the 11 nine new players announced by Persik Kediri, two of them are foreigners, such as Sergio Castel (former Persib Bandung striker for Rp6.95 billion) and Sylvain Atieda (former Persekat Tegal striker).

As for the local pillars who became fresh ammunition Kediri Peach among them are Andhika Ramadhani, Satrio Azhar, Dimas Juliono, Riza Zidane, Zanadin Fariz, Althaf Indie, Daffa Salman, Dzaky Ashraf, and Francisco Alesandro.

For Zanadin Fariz and Althaf Indie brought by Persik Kediri from Persis Solo. Then Satrio Azhar and Fransiskus Alessandro were recruited from Madura United. Then Daffa Salman and Dzaky Ashraf were brought from PSM Makassar.

While Andhika Ramadhani was previously the former goalkeeper of Persebaya Surabaya. While Dimas Pamungkas is a former left back Persela Lamongan.

Persik Kediri also released 23 players at the end of last season for squad reshuffle. Included among them are five foreign players, namely Leo Navacchio, Adrian Luna, Telmo Castanheira and Rodrigo.

Only 14 players are retained by Persik Kediri to sail this season. Including retaining its five foreign players, namely Francisco, Kiko Carneiro, José Enrique, Imanol García, Ernesto Gomez, and Jon Toral.

The debut of the four foreign players—Ko Myeong-seok, Denilson Junior, Carlos Lury, and Jean Mangabeira—in the Dewa United FC jersey is certainly something to look forward to. Will their performance match their determination and promise to lead the Banten Warriors to success this season? Can they combine defensive solidity with pace on the flanks—penetrating the opposition’s defense and delivering precise crosses for goals? Let’s wait and see on September 5, 2025. (Bembo)