Copenhagen host Kairat Almaty on match-day five of the UEFA Champions League, with both teams seeking their first win in the league phase. The Danes will be banking on a solid home record while the visitors have been unconvincing on their travels.
It has been a disappointing league phase campaign for Copenhagen, who are winless after four matches. They have been beaten three times, suffering a 4-0 defeat at Tottenham Hotspur in their previous fixture.
Copenhagen will be counting on their home form, having gone unbeaten in nine of their last 10 matches in all competitions at Parken Stadium. Jacob Neestrup’s men have won the last two fixtures on this run, including a 1-0 victory over Brondby in the Danish Super League last weekend.
Kairat Almaty have a similar record to the hosts, having suffered three defeats and played out one draw in their four league phase matches. Rafael Urazbakhtin’s men suffered a 2-1 defeat at Inter Milan in their previous fixture.
The defeat at Inter Milan is part of a recent poor run for Kairat, who are winless in their last three matches in all competitions. They have also lost two of their last three away matches.
How the bookies view it: Copenhagen overwhelming favourites
Copenhagen have been installed as overwhelming favourites among the bookies and are priced at 3/10 by William Hill to claim the win. An unlikely victory for Kairat is valued at 7/1 by Betfred, while a draw is set at odds of 17/4 on Ladbrokes.
Head to head: First ever meeting
There are no previous meetings between Copenhagen and Kairat Almaty.
Players to watch: Eyes on Moukoko
Youssoufa Moukoko often carries the attacking threat for Copenhagen and has scored eight goals in all competitions. The forward will be the one to watch on Wednesday (Youssoufa Moukoko anytime goalscorer – available at 5/4 on Paddy Power).
Kairat also have quality going forward and will look to Jorginho, who has 12 goals in all competitions this season. The forward could be worth keeping an eye on (Jorginho anytime goalscorer – offered at 4/1 on bet365).
Probable line-ups:
Copenhagen have injury problems, with Thomas Delaney, Magnus Mattsson and Birger Melling among the list of sidelined players. Moukoko could return to the starting line-up, having been rested at the weekend, while Gabriel Pereira is set to continue at the back.
Kairat have no major injuries or suspensions and can choose from a fully fit squad on Wednesday. Jorginho is expected to feature in attack, while Egor Sorokin should line up in defence.
Copenhagen: Kotarski, Garananga, Pereira, Hartzidiakos, Lopez, Larsson, Larega, Madsen, Robert, Moukoko, Elyounousi.
Kairat: Anarbekov, Mrynskiy, Shirobokov, Sorokin, Mata, Kasabulat, Arad, Gromyko, Jorginho, Satpaev, Edmilson.
Anything else catch the eye?
Both teams have scored in five of Copenhagen’s last seven home matches (BTTS YES – offered at 4/5 by William Hill). Five of their last seven fixtures in all competitions have also produced over 2.5 goals (Over 2.5 goals – valued at 8/15 with Betfred).
Three of Copenhagen's last four matches have produced more goals after the break (Second half highest scoring half – priced at Evens with bet365). With the Danes priced at minimal odds for a straight victory, a win and over 2.5 goals offers more value (Copenhagen win & over 2.5 goals – set at odds of 5/6 with Betfred).
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