KuPS Kuopio vs FC Copenhagen Predictions, Betting Tips and Match Previews

This is an all Scandinavian affair with Copenhagen the strong favourites to progress. They were originally scheduled to play at home first but the clubs agreed to switch the order of the two legs, meaning this clash will take place in Finland as KuPS look for some kind of result to keep them in the tie heading into the 2nd Leg.

They are relative European novices, having not appeared in continental competition since the 2012-13 season. They actually had a decent run in the Europa League that year, winning two qualifying rounds before exiting against Turkish side Buraspor despite winning the 1st Leg. They finished an impressive 2nd in the Finnish top flight last season, their best campaign in many years so they will take confidence from that heading into their European adventure.

Copenhagen should progress over two legs but this still has the potential to be an awkward game for them. They were Danish champions in 2016 and 2017 but could only finish 4th last term, an enormous 28 points behind champions Midtjylland, so it’s probably fair to say they aren’t quite the force they were a couple of years back.

Despite their league struggles, they did make the Europa League knockout stages, although only after sneaking through a pretty weak group. They didn’t win any of their away matches in last season’s competition, failing to win away to minnows such as Czech side Zlin and Sheriff of Moldova and with those kind of results they may be a bit short for the win here with the bookies.

Their overall away record last season was also pretty poor. They’ve only won 4 of their last 18 away fixtures in all competitions and for a side that was previously sweeping all opponents in their country aside, that is a severe downturn and explains why they were so far off the pace in the Danish top flight last term.

This will be a big occasion for KuPS, who should have strong backing and they’ll fancy they can cause an upset. They also have an advantage in that their league runs through the summer so they should be fully match sharp, whereas Copenhagen are yet to commence their league campaign.

Overall backing KuPS Double Chance looks like the way to go here. The Danes should progress over two legs though and may be content to settle for a draw, so backing 1-1 in the Correct Score market also appeals.