KuPS will be targeting a first leg advantage when they host Miami in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League first round qualifier. The hosts will come into this clash counting on a solid home record while the visitors have looked off colour lately.
KuPS are the champions of the Finnish Veikkausliiga and appear to be well on course to retain their title. They are top of the table at the moment and are unbeaten in their last four matches, playing out a 2-2 draw with AC Oulu in their previous fixture.
Having impressed domestically, the task for KuPS will be to carry that form into the European qualifiers. They will be counting on their home form having won seven of their last nine matches in front of their fans, including a 6-2 victory over Gnistan last time out.
Mislami are the reigning Moldovan Liga champions but their title defence has not started well. They are currently third in the table and will head into this clash off the back of a 2-1 home defeat to Sheriff.
Igor Picusceac’s men have also found things difficult on their travels and are winless in five of their last six away matches. However, they will travel to Finland off the back of a 3-0 victory at Politehnica in their previous fixture on the road.
How the bookies view it: KuPS overwhelming favourites
KuPS have been installed as overwhelming favourites, with a home win priced at 1/3 with BoyleSports. A victory for Milsami is valued at 6/1 while a draw is offered at odds of 16/5.
Head to head: KuPS on top
Both teams met in the UEFA Conference League qualifiers in 2022, with KuPS claiming a 6-3 aggregate win. The Finnish side played out a 2-2 draw in the first meeting before claiming a 4-1 away win in the second leg.
Players to watch: Eyes on Luyeye-Lutumba
Joslyn Luyeye-Lutumba has stood out for KuPS this season, scoring five goals so far. Agon Sadiku has also found the net five times and both men can ensure the hosts produce over 1.5 goals – valued at 4/9 with BoyleSports.
Mislami can also hold their own in attack and will look to Radu Ginsari, who has three goals from midfield this season. Striker Kabama Kalabatama has also been on target this season and both men can combine to produce over 0.5 goals for the visitors (Milsami 0.5 goals – priced at 3/4).
Probable line-ups:
KuPS have no injury worries ahead of this one and midfielder Otto Ruoppi could earn a start after coming off the bench to score last time out. Sadiku and Luyeye-Lutumba are expected to retain their spots in attack.
Kalabatama was a second half substitute for Milsami in the defeat for Sheriff and could play from the start on Tuesday. Ginsari scored their only goal and is expected to line up in midfield while Christopher Nwaeze should continue in defence.
KuPS: Hakala, Armah, Lotjonen, Miettinen, Hamalainen, Arifi, Ruoppi, Voutilainen, Heinonen, Sadiku, Luyeye-Lutumba
Milsami: Timbur, Nwaeze, Ghimp, Koy Kupano, Takyi, Chelsea, Lisu, Yoda, Khali, Ginsari, Kalabatama
Anything else catch the eye?
The last two meetings between KuPS and Milsami produced over 3.5 goals – available at 9/5 with BoyleSports, who are also offering 7/10 for over 2.5 goals. Both teams were on target in those fixtures (BTTS YES priced at 10/11).
KuPS have scored in both halves in their last two matches (KuPS to score in both halves – 6/5). With the hosts priced at minimal odds for a straight victory, a win and over 2.5 goals offers more value at 11/10.
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