There’s Europa League play-off round action in Denmark on Thursday. Midtjylland and KuPS clash in the first leg of a tie that will determine who progresses into the league phase.
Midtjylland very nearly didn’t even make it past the second qualifying round. They were on course for a penalty shootout at Easter Road against Hibs, but found late inspiration with Junior Brumado firing in a 119th-minute winner deep in extra time.
They’ve looked much sharper since then though, easing past Fredrikstad 5-1 on aggregate in the last round. Thomas Thomasberg’s side have also scored five times in their last two domestic matches, to continue their unbeaten start to the Danish Superliga season.
This tie may prove a real step up in class for KuPS. After crashing out of the Champions League following a second leg collapse against Kairat, they were dealt quite a soft Europa League landing against unfancied RFS. The Finnish title holders won both legs by one goal to set up this play-off tie.
They are also deep into the current Veikkausliiga season which is 20 matches old. They still have a chance of successfully defending their crown, although they have ground to make up on leaders Inter Turku. The clubs met in a crunch clash on Sunday, with KuPS triumphing 2-1.
How the bookies view it: Danes to dominate
The bookies can only see one winner here, with Midtjylland the 1/6 favourites according to Boylesports. Punters can back the draw at 5/1, while an unlikely KuPS victory is available at 10/1.
Recent head-to-head: Clubs set for first meeting
These clubs have never previously met on the European stage. KuPS were last paired with Danish opposition in the first qualifying round of the 2018/19 Europa League. They lost that tie 2-1 on aggregate against FC Copenhagen.
Players to watch: Franculino to fire?
Midtjylland have a real ace up their sleeve in the shape of Franculino. The 21-year-old has been in electric form in Denmark, scoring seven and registering two assists in just four Superliga matches so far. He has also scored one goal in the Europa League.
Predicted Lineups
Ousmane Diao is the only expected injury absentee for the hosts who may make some changes from their weekend league lineup.
Clinton Antwi, Arttu Lotjonen and Derrick Agyei are expected to be missing again for KuPS.
Midtjylland: Olafsson, Gabriel, Lee, Bech Sorensen, Paulinho, Gogorza, Bravo, Castillo, Osorio, Buksa, Franculino.
KuPS: Kreidl, Savolainen, Miettinen, Cisse, Armah, Oksanen, Arifi, Voutilainen, Ruoppi, Toure, Pennanen.
Anything else catch the eye?
With Midtjylland in good form, this looks like a tie they should win comfortably. They were fast out of the blocks in the last round, racing into 2-0 leads by the break in both legs. Therefore, backing Midtjylland/Midtjylland in the HF/FT market at 7/10 with Boylesports could be worth considering here.
Having won their last two games in all competitions without conceding, you can also back Midtjylland to win to nil at 1/1 with the same bookmaker. Meanwhile, the hosts are priced at 7/5 to win this game with a -2 handicap.
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