Back
Aron Wright - July 17, 2018
Copenhagen vs KuPS
Europa League First qualifying round
Date: Thursday, 19 July 2018
Kick-Off at 19:00 UK / 20:00 CET
Venue: Telia Parken, Copenhagen.
The Lions somehow managed to break KuPS’ resistance seven days ago when Robert Skov broke the deadlock 15 minutes from time at Savon Sanomat Areena. The goal came as a reward as Stalle Solbakken’s men were the much better side throughout the 90 minutes of play in Kuopio. The well-deserved victory opened up the way for the Danish heavyweights to advance into the second qualifying round.
Copenhagen made their way to the last 32 in this competition in the previous term when they passed the group with Lokomotiv Moscow, Sheriff Tiraspol and Zlin. They were also genuine group stage participants in the Champions League in recent years which makes them massive favourites at this stage of the competition.
However, we have to mention Copenhagen do not seem to be quite a force they were years ago given they had a dreadful domestic campaign which saw them finish only fourth with a 28-point deficit to champions Midtjylland in Superligaen.
The match played seven days ago was the first ever head to head clash between the two teams.
As mentioned above, Copenhagen were in full control from the very first whistle as they deservedly grabbed the victory thanks to a goal from Robert Skov.
KuPS were much more successful in their domestic affairs last year when they finished runners-up to HJK, their best record in a while. Nevertheless, the team led by Jani Honkavaara looks to be struggling to find such form this season as they stand fifth after 19 rounds of the competition in Veikkausliiga.
Copenhagen, on the other side, opened the new Superligaen season on Monday when they shockingly fell 1-2 at home to Horsens. The defeat will certainly affect team’s spirits ahead of the reverse fixture with KuPS, meaning we will avoid any handicap wins bets for the out-of-form hosts.
Instead, backing KuPS not to lose by two or more goals has value at 2.25, while you can also take Under 3.5 goals FT at 1.57.
