Kilmarnock defied the odds to keep their European dream alive last week but they now face an even taller order against FC Copenhagen in the UEFA Conference League play-offs.
Derek McInnes' men were written off ahead of their trip to Tromso after scraping a 2-2 draw at home but they dug deep in Norway to claim an historic 1-0 victory.
That has left them just one step from group stage football for the first time in the club's history but they are rank outsiders against the Danish giants.
This is an FC Copenhagen side who reached the last 16 of the Champions League less than a year ago, falling to mighty Manchester City after taking the scalps of Galatasaray and Manchester United.
They're in the UEFA Conference League after a disappointing third-place finish in Denmark last term but have started the new campaign by claiming six wins in nine games.
Their only defeat so far came at Banik Ostrava in the last round but the Danes still progressed after holding their nerve in a shoot-out to line up this clash with Killie.
How the bookies view it: Kilmarnock written off
The bookies can't see past a Copenhagen win with the Danes a tiny 1/4 at Betfred for a first-leg advantage on home soil. Kilmarnock are 7/1 outsiders and even the draw is pretty big at 9/2.
Head to head: Danes out for first blood
These teams haven't faced off before but FC Copenhagen have enjoyed a few duels with Scottish clubs in Europe. They beat Celtic twice in Copenhagen but did suffer a 4-0 thrashing by Aberdeen at Pittodrie in the UEFA Cup group stage back in 2007.
Players to watch: Mo with the flow
Former Celtic winger Mohamed Elyounoussi will be a familiar face for Kilmarnock fans and he will pose a big threat to their side. The Norwegian has scored four times in nine outings this term and is 13/10 with Betfred for another strike against Killie.
Kilmarnock's best chance of a goal will probably come from a set-piece. Stopper Joe Wright bagged their winner from a corner against Tromso and is a whopping 22/1 for another goal in Denmark.
Probable line-ups
Kilmarnock can take heart from the fact Copenhagen are without some of their best players. Wonderkid Roony Bardghji is a long-term crock while midfielder Thomas Delaney and striker Jordan Larsson also picked up injuries against Banik Ostrava.
With Marley Watkins fit again, Kyle Maggenis should be the only injury absentee for Kilmarnock.
FC Copenhagen: Trott, Diks, Vavro, Garananga, Meling, Lerager, Lerager, Falk, Achouri, Elyounoussi, Oskarsson.
Kilmarnock: McCrorie, Wright, Mayo, Findlay, Bainbridge, Donnelly, Lyons, Kennedy, Watson, Armstrong, Vassell.
Anything else catch the eye?
McInnes will take heart from the fact his defence is starting to look secure again, with a clean sheet in Norway followed by a 90-minute stalemate against Motherwell in the League Cup. But Kilmarnock lost that game 1-0 in extra time and playing an extra 30 minutes was the last thing they needed ahead of the trip to Copenhagen.
The Rugby Park gaffer is likely to set up to frustrate so Copenhagen win with under four goals looks a decent option at 13/10 in a Bet365 bet builder.
Backing most goals to come after the break also appeals and that pays evens with Betfred.
Kilmarnock have been racking up cards this term so that's another market worth exploring. Backing the SPFL Premiership side at -1 in the card handicap looks great value at 15/8 with Bet365 while Liam Donnelly is 7/4 with the same firm to go in the book.
This UEFA Europa League Conference match between FC Copenhagen and Kilmarnock will be played on Aug 22, 2024 and kick off at 18:00. Check below for our tipsters best FC Copenhagen vs Kilmarnock prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
