Young Boys vs KuPS Kuopio Predictions

• Young Boys were in the Champions League last season where they famously beat Man Utd 2-1 at home.
• KuPS had an equal share of possession in the first leg, but took very few shots.
• Young Boys won 2-0 in Finland and can secure their passage to the play-off round as long as they defend well.

Young Boys handled KuPS easily

Young Boys rested players and still handled KuPS comfortably in the first leg to establish a 2-0 lead from which they should easily progress with another win in Berne. The Swiss Super League side made a fast start, winning four corners in the first four minutes before taking an early lead.

Congolese striker Meschack Elia doubled their advantage just before half-time and it was all over. The Finns, although enjoying a roughly equal share of possession were outshot 15-3 by the visitors, a stat which suggests they lack penetration in the final third.

The second leg will probably follow a similar course with Young Boys able to rest and rotate as they like because of the two-goal cushion. The hosts will still be motivated to win the game in front of their home fans and with Uefa coefficient points to play for and can win this at a canter.

Finns faded against Honka

KuPS started well in their home Veikkausliiga clash with Honka at the weekend, but tired in the second half to draw 1-1. Head coach Simo Valakari put great importance on the big domestic battle and left his regulars on the field until the end, so they might not be as sharp as needs be on Thursday.

All in all, it should be a very easy evening for Young Boys as they seek to secure a much-tougher game against Anderlecht in the next round – and a 1-0 or repeat 2-0 scoreline seems most likely. We’re forecasting the latter because of KuPS’ weekend showing and the favoured play here is to back the hosts to win with fewer than three goals in the game.