Pogon Szczecin vs Widzew Lodz: Confirmed Lineups & Analysis

Pogon Szczecin vs Widzew Lodz: Confirmed Lineups & Analysis

The Polish Ekstraklasa is set for a captivating encounter as Pogon Szczecin prepare to host Widzew Lodz on Friday, February 28, 2026, with kick-off scheduled for 14:45. This fixture isn't just another league game; it's a clash with significant implications for both ends of the table, promising a high-stakes battle where tactical acumen and individual brilliance will be paramount. Fans eagerly awaiting the `pogoń widzew lineups` will find a wealth of tactical insights as we break down the confirmed teams and what their strategies might entail. Pogon Szczecin, currently sitting 10th in the standings with 28 points from 22 games, are still within touching distance of the league leaders, trailing by nine points. Their aspirations for European qualification or even a late title charge hinge on converting home advantage into crucial victories. Widzew Lodz, conversely, find themselves in a precarious 17th position with 24 points, battling desperately to climb out of the relegation zone. This disparity in league objectives sets the stage for a fiercely contested match.

The Ekstraklasa Showdown: Pogon Szczecin's Home Advantage vs. Widzew Lodz's Road Challenge

Pogon Szczecin enters this fixture with a mixed bag of recent results, recording two wins, two draws, and one loss in their last five outings. While their attacking record has been positive, with six goals scored in these matches, defensive frailties have also been apparent, having conceded five. Much of Pogon’s strength this season has come from their performances at home, where they’ve amassed a respectable 20 points from 11 games. Manager Thomas Thomasberg will undoubtedly look to leverage this home support and familiar surroundings to press for a decisive win. Widzew Lodz, on the other hand, faces a daunting task on the road. Their recent form has been concerning, with just one win, one draw, and three losses in their last five matches. Compounding this challenge is their struggle away from home, having secured only nine points from 11 away games this season. As underdogs, manager Igor Jovicevic’s side will need to demonstrate immense resilience and tactical discipline to disrupt Pogon’s rhythm and snatch any points. The pressure is mounting, and a positive result in Szczecin could be a significant morale booster in their fight for survival.

Confirmed Pogon Szczecin Lineup & Tactical Blueprint (4-2-3-1)

Pogon Szczecin will deploy a familiar 4-2-3-1 formation under Thomas Thomasberg, a setup designed to maximize creative attacking play while maintaining a solid defensive base. This formation emphasizes midfield control and fluid movement in the final third. Here’s the confirmed starting XI for Pogon Szczecin: * **Goalkeeper:** Valentin Cojocaru (77) * **Defenders:** Hussein Ali (15), Dimitrios Keramitsis (13), Attila Szalai (41), Leonardo Koutris (32) * **Defensive Midfielders:** Fredrik Ulvestad (8), Kellyn Acosta (3) * **Attacking Midfielders:** Paul Mukairu (18), Jose Pozo (14), Kamil Grosicki (11, Captain) * **Striker:** Karol Angielski (24) This Pogon lineup showcases a blend of experience and dynamism. Kamil Grosicki, the veteran captain, will be crucial for his leadership, pace, and delivery from the wings. His partnership with José Pozo, an astute attacking midfielder capable of unlocking defenses, will be key to Pogon's offensive thrust. Karol Angielski provides the focal point up front, with his finishing ability being a vital asset. The double pivot of Fredrik Ulvestad and Kellyn Acosta offers a robust shield for the defense while also initiating attacks. Acosta, however, will need to be mindful of his discipline, having received a red card in a recent match (90'+2). The defensive line of Ali, Keramitsis, Szalai, and Koutris will aim for solidity, though previous match events show Keramitsis (YC 64'), Szalai (YC 90'+5), and Koutris (substituted at 62') have faced challenges, indicating potential areas Widzew might try to exploit. The presence of Valentin Cojocaru in goal provides a strong last line of defense, despite his own recent yellow card (90'+4). For a deeper dive into the tactical nuances of this setup, consider reading Ekstraklasa Showdown: Pogon (4-2-3-1) vs Widzew (4-4-2) Lineups. **Pogon Szczecin Substitutes:** M. Agger (25), J. Biegański (6), Léo Borges (4), I. Brzyski (20), J. Czapliński (30), K. Kamiński (31), N. Lawa (47), D. Lončar (22), B. Mendy (23), S. Rojek (21), K. Smoliński (61), F. Čuić (10). The depth on the bench, with players like Mendy, Agger, and Čuić having come on in previous games, provides Thomasberg with significant options for in-game changes.

Widzew Lodz's Confirmed XI & Counter-Strategy (4-4-2)

Widzew Lodz, under manager Igor Jovicevic, will likely adopt a traditional 4-4-2 formation. This setup typically prioritizes defensive solidity, wide play, and direct attacking, aiming to be compact and difficult to break down while posing a threat on the counter. Here’s the confirmed starting XI for Widzew Lodz: * **Goalkeeper:** Bartlomiej Dragowski (GK) * **Defenders:** Carlos Munoz, Stelios Andreou, Przemyslaw Wisniewski, Christopher Cheng * **Midfielders:** Osman Bukari, Lukas Lerager, Juljan Shehu, Fran Alvarez * **Forwards:** Emil Kornvig, Sebastian Bergier In goal, Bartlomiej Dragowski will be a crucial figure for Widzew, needing to be at his best to repel Pogon’s attacks. The central defensive partnership of Andreou and Wisniewski will have their hands full with Angielski and the runs from Pozo and Mukairu. Munoz and Cheng on the flanks will need to provide both defensive cover against Grosicki and Mukairu and offensive width. The midfield four of Bukari, Lerager, Shehu, and Alvarez will be vital. Lukas Lerager's experience and work rate in the center will be key to disrupting Pogon's midfield flow, while Osman Bukari's pace on the wing could be a major outlet for counter-attacks. Upfront, the pairing of Emil Kornvig and Sebastian Bergier will look to test Pogon's defense, particularly given their recent concession record. This dual-striker approach could put pressure on Pogon's center-backs and allow for more direct play.

Key Player Battles and Match-Deciding Factors

The outcome of this Ekstraklasa fixture could very well be decided by a few pivotal individual matchups and tactical adjustments. 1. **Grosicki vs. Munoz/Cheng (Widzew Full-backs):** Kamil Grosicki's experience, trickery, and crossing ability on Pogon's left wing will pose a constant threat. Widzew's right-back, Carlos Munoz, will need to be extremely disciplined and receive support from his winger to contain Pogon's captain. Similarly, Mukairu's battle on the opposite flank against Christopher Cheng will be critical. 2. **Pogon's Midfield Control vs. Widzew's Compactness:** The duel in central midfield between Pogon's Ulvestad and Acosta and Widzew's Lerager and Shehu will be crucial. Pogon will aim to dominate possession and dictate the tempo, using their numerical advantage in attacking midfield (Pozo, Mukairu, Grosicki) to create overloads. Widzew, however, will attempt to stay compact, deny space, and force Pogon wide, looking to win the ball and launch quick transitions through Bukari and their two strikers. 3. **Angielski vs. Andreou/Wisniewski:** Karol Angielski's ability to hold up play and finish chances will directly challenge Widzew's central defensive pairing. His movement off the ball could create openings for the attacking midfielders. If Angielski can get the better of Andreou and Wisniewski, Pogon's chances of scoring increase significantly. 4. **Goalkeepers under pressure:** Both Valentin Cojocaru and Bartlomiej Dragowski are expected to be busy. Pogon's attacking nature and Widzew's desperation will likely lead to shots on target. The performance of these two shot-stoppers could be the difference between a win and a draw, or a loss. In-game management will also be pivotal. Thomas Thomasberg might look to exploit Widzew's potential fatigue with fresh legs from the bench, such as Mendy for Koutris or Agger for Pozo, as seen in previous matches. Igor Jovicevic will need his side to maintain their defensive shape for the full 90 minutes and capitalize on any set-piece opportunities or Pogon's defensive lapses. For further analysis of the squads and what's at stake, check out Pogon vs Widzew: Full Lineups, Key Players, & Ekstraklasa Stakes.

Expert Analysis & Prediction

Given Pogon Szczecin's superior league position, stronger home form, and more positive recent results, they enter this match as clear favorites. Their 4-2-3-1 formation with creative players like Grosicki and Pozo is well-suited to breaking down a compact 4-4-2. However, Widzew Lodz's desperate need for points, combined with the potential for a disciplined defensive performance and quick counter-attacks, means they cannot be underestimated. Pogon's tendency to concede goals, despite their attacking prowess, provides a glimmer of hope for Widzew. If Widzew can weather the early storm, frustrate Pogon, and exploit any defensive errors, they might just snatch a surprising result. The battles on the wings and in central midfield will be fierce, and the team that wins these individual duels will likely gain the upper hand. Realistically, Pogon's home advantage and attacking quality should see them through. We anticipate a hard-fought match, possibly with goals on both sides, but Pogon Szczecin is expected to secure a narrow victory, perhaps a 2-1 or 3-1 scoreline, further solidifying their position in the top half of the Ekstraklasa table and keeping their European dreams alive. Widzew, while fighting valiantly, may find Pogon's firepower too much to handle on the road. This Ekstraklasa clash promises drama, tactical intrigue, and passion. As the `pogoń widzew lineups` take to the field, every pass, tackle, and shot will carry immense weight for both clubs.