Arema Malang (home)
- Arema Malang can’t buy a win in the Super League right now, going six games without a victory in all competitions, and it seems that only a win in this East Java regional derby against Persik Kediri will convince the home fans to start cheering again.
- Brazilian boss Marcos Santos has brought a high-tempo, free-flowing attacking system to the club since his appointment in June 2025.
- Santos has done a great job of steadying the ship and getting the team to perform in his own image, but there is a lack of sharpness up front and a lack of defensive solidity that has caused them to drop points in recent weeks.
- Lucas Frigeri has kept them in games with some crucial saves as the defence has suffered lapses and the players have not stayed in position.
- Dalberto leads the Arema frontline and is their Super League’s top scorer, but he and the attacking players behind him have not been able to cut through the defense of any of their opponents in the recent run of games.
Persik Kediri (away)
- Persik Kediri have been resilient, with two wins, two draws and one defeat in their last five games (Won 2, Drawn 2, Lost 1).
- Persik have been an entirely different case since the appointment of Spanish coach Marcos Reina in December 2025.
- The defensive structure around goalkeeper Leo Navacchio has been praised for their resilience, especially at home, with Yusuf Meilana and Kiko Carreiro providing great support at the back.
- Reina has made Persik tough to break down and much more patient in their build-up play, relying on the wingbacks to provide width in attack.
- They still have the old guard in attack with the likes of Ezra Walian, Jose Pedro and Ramiro Fergonzi, all of whom provide goals and have featured regularly in Reina’s plans in the attack.
- Walian is arguably in his best form in front of goal for Persik and scored in their recent win at Persis Solo, but he also provides a reliable target for set pieces.
- Persik have become much more efficient in the air and on set pieces in recent months, something that they may have to be against Arema in what should be heavy rain and humid conditions in Malang on Sunday.
- Persik’s Muhamad Firly enters this derby on a high after his 95th minute equaliser against Persib Bandung on January 5th, 2026.
Head-to-Head
- Persik Kediri have won four of the last five competitive meetings with Arema Malang, including a 3-0 victory in May 2025.
- Persik have had a knack for winning here in the past and have some psychological advantage going into this derby.
Arema Malang
- Dalberto leads the Arema frontline and is their Super League’s top scorer.
- Lucas Frigeri has kept them in games with some crucial saves as the defence has suffered lapses and the players have not stayed in position.
Persik Kediri
- They still have the old guard in attack with the likes of Ezra Walian, Jose Pedro and Ramiro Fergonzi, all of whom provide goals and have featured regularly in Reina’s plans in the attack.
- The defensive structure around goalkeeper Leo Navacchio has been praised for their resilience, especially at home, with Yusuf Meilana and Kiko Carreiro providing great support at the back.
- Persik’s Muhamad Firly enters this derby on a high after his 95th minute equaliser against Persib Bandung on January 5th, 2026.
Betting Insights
- Backing the visitors to keep it tight and nick it may be the way to go, especially as the odds are a little on the short side for the hosts at 2.2, with Persik 3.04 and the tie at 3.15.
- The bookies are expecting a low-to-medium scoring affair, with Under 2.5 goals at 1.77 and Both Teams to Score at 1.72.
Prediction
- Arema have the width to break Persik’s structure, but Reina’s side have the discipline to sit compactly and catch them on the break.
- It is unlikely that Santos will change his winning formula, but Reina’s team is just as unlikely to back away from the ball and sit deep for 90 minutes in a derby like this one.
- Local pride is on the line here and these clubs are jostling for position in the congested mid-table in the Super League, with Persik on 19 points and Arema on approximately 18-20 points after 15-16.
- Expect a tense, tactical game; a narrow Persik win or a draw looks the most likely outcome.
