Persik Challenge Persib at Jalak Harupat, Marcos Reina Wary of Maung Bandung's Even Threat

Persik Kediri face a stern test when they travel to Persib Bandung's home ground in the fifth week of the BRI Super League 2026/2027 at Si Jalak Harupat Stadium, Bandung Regency, on Sunday (18/10/2026). The match is in the spotlight because both teams have big ambitions to improve their positions in the provisional standings.

Currently, Persib sit ninth with seven points from four matches. Persik are seventh with the same number of points. That means this duel will be a proving ground for both sides to step out of the shadow of the mid-table and close in on the top teams.

Persik coach Marcos Reina is fully aware of the atmosphere the match will bring. According to him, a match against Persib is the kind of game players always look forward to. "A match like this is a game everyone wants to play. So this is a good week for us to prepare the best game plan, sharpen the team's preparation, and keep positive energy during training sessions," Reina said, as quoted by Bola.com.

However, Persik come to Bandung with an incomplete squad. Several players have to sit out due to injury, and the most notable absentee is Ezra Walian. The naturalized striker has just undergone surgery and is predicted not to return until the competition ends. Despite losing an important figure, Reina remains optimistic his players can perform at their best.

"Ezra indeed cannot be with us on the pitch, either in training or in matches, but I believe he will keep supporting the team," Reina said.

Facing Persib, Reina said he has studied the hosts' style of play. He considers the Maung Bandung squad to have evenly distributed individual quality in every position, from attack to defense. "Persib have quality players in every position. When they have the ball near the opponent's goal, they are very dangerous and can create threats at any time," explained the 41-year-old coach.

Nevertheless, Reina does not want his team to focus only on defending. He stressed that Persik are still preparing a game plan suited to the opponent's character, without ruling out the potential for counterattacks. "We already know how Persib play. However, we also always adapt to the team we are about to face and draw up a game plan according to the opponent's character," he added.

For Persik, this match is a chance to prove they can compete at the top level. A win over Persib would be valuable capital for the weeks ahead. Conversely, a defeat could leave them stuck in mid-table and further away from the title race.

On the other side, Persib certainly do not want to drop points in front of their own supporters. Although they are not at the top of the standings, Maung Bandung have a capable squad. The duel is predicted to be fierce from the opening minutes, with both teams trading attacks.

The big question is, can Persik steal points at Persib's home without Ezra Walian? Or will Persib instead exploit the gap in the opponent's front line to claim all three points? The answer will be revealed on the pitch.