Oulu have little left to play for, sitting in the last place in the Championship bracket. I am backing KuPS to collect three points here without conceding and keep the leading position.
Key Stats
- KuPS have won 8 of their last 9 home matches against Oulu.
- KuPS have kept a clean sheet in their last 2 matches.
- Oulu have lost their last 3 matches.
- Oulu have failed to score in 3 of their last 4 matches.
Hosts Dominate H2H
This is going to be the 25th time these two sides lock horns and KuPS have a convincing 18-5 advantage in terms of victories.
KuPS Trying to Find Consistency
KuPS had a couple of setbacks recently, but still are in good position to defend the title from last year, topping the table with 48 points after 25 rounds.
They hit a rough patch in the first half of September, registering a 1-0 loss to Inter Turku, followed by back to back draws against Gnistan 1-1 and HJK 0-0.
The winless run was put to an end two weeks ago with a 2-0 road victory against VPS, Tommi Jyry and Joslyn Luyeye-Lutumba appearing on the scoresheet.
KuPS also made it to the Conference League main phase after outplaying Shamrock Rovers 2-1 on aggregate in the late August qualifiers.
Visitors Struggled in September
Oulu are very happy with the fact they made it to the Veikkausliiga Championship bracket, but their chances of achieving anything here are very close to zero, sitting in last sixth place.
They had three appearances in September, starting with a 1-0 loss against 5th placed VPS, then getting beaten by Gnistan 2-1 in front of the home crowd, allowing five big chances to the opposition.
Just before the international break, Oulu extended their losing streak with a 1-0 defeat to title contenders Inter Turku at home, registering just one shot on target here.
Team News
Jerry Voulaitainen is the only absentee for the home side, recovering from a surgery. Jaime Moreno is their top contributor this season with 10 goals and 3 assists in the Veikkausliiga.
Onni Tiihonen is out for the visitors with a long term ligament injury, while veteran Roope Riski is doubtful due to fitness problems.