Kilmarnock's late collapse in Denmark has left them with a mountain to climb back at Rugby Park as they bid to reach the UEFA Conference League group stage.
It looked like Killie would take a great result back to Scotland last week until the Danes won a controversial penalty 14 minutes from time. Even a 1-0 loss wouldn't have been too bad but FC Copenhagen struck what looked like a killer blow when they scored with virtually the last kick of the game to make it 2-0.
Morale took another hit at the weekend with a 2-0 loss in Aberdeen that brought up a full house of tips for our man Gabriel.
That has left Derek McInnes' side rock bottom of the Premiership with three successive defeats but their best performances have come in Europe so far.
However, it will still take some effort to beat an FC Copenhagen side who reached the UEFA Champions League knockout stage last term and have lost just twice in 11 games this term.
How the bookies view it: Toiling Killie written off
Kilmarnock haven't been given much of a chance of turning this tie around as Betfred make them 12/1 outsiders to go through and 3/1 for a win on the night. FC Copenhagen are just 1/50 to reach the group stage and 4/6 for a victory in Scotland. The draw on the night pays 3/1.
Head to head: Danes out to banish Scottish demons
Last week's clash in Denmark was the first meeting of these sides but FC Copenhagen don't have a great record in Scotland. They lost 4-0 at Aberdeen in the 2007-08 UEFA Cup group stage and 1-0 to Celtic a year earlier in the Champions League.
Players to watch: Oskar winner for Copenhagen
Orri Oskarsson drew a blank in the first leg but the young Icelandic striker has been in hot form for FC Copenhagen. He boasts seven goals from 11 appearances and is 11/8 for anytime scorer.
With skipper Kyle Vassell and injury doubt, Marley Watkins looks the best bet for a Kilmarnock goal. The former Aberdeen forward is 16/5 for anytime scorer which looks a bit overpriced.
Probable line-ups
Vassell missed the loss to Aberdeen with a groin problem while defender Stuart Findlay picked up an injury late in that game so both are doubts here. Birger Meling was injured in the first leg for Copenhagen who are still without star men Roony Bardghji, Thomas Delaney and Jordan Larsson.
Kilmarnock: McCrorie, Wright, Mayo, Findlay, Bainbridge, Donnelly, Lyons, Kennedy, Armstrong, Anderson, Watkins.
FC Copenhagen: Trott, Diks, Vavro, Pereira, Gocholeishvili, Lerager, Mattsen, Falk, Achouri, Elyounoussi, Oskarsson.
Anything else catch the eye?
Going for a low-scoring Copenhagen win paid off for me last week and that looks good again here. Combining a win for the Danes with under 3.5 goals pays 7/5 and the game could die a death if they score early.
McInnes needs to get his team up to attack and that will leave gaps for FC Copenhagen to exploit on the break. Backing the Danish giants to score in both halves pays 6/4 and that looks decent value.
The card markets could be worth a look too and Kimarnock stopper Robbie Deas is worth backing at 8/5 with Bet365 to go in the book. He has collected two yellows already this season in seven appearances.
This UEFA Europa League Conference match between Kilmarnock and FC Copenhagen will be played on Aug 29, 2024 and kick off at 19:00. Check below for our tipsters best Kilmarnock vs FC Copenhagen prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
