KuPS are the most consistent team in the Finnish league this season and I will back them to finish the job against Vardar. A home win & BTTS is a value bet.
Key Stats
- KuPS have won their last 4 matches.
- KuPS have seen BTTS in their last 3 home matches (Veikkausliiga).
- Vardar have seen BTTS in 2 of their last 3 matches.
Second H2H
Last week’s clash in North Macedonia was the first head to head meeting between these sides.
KuPS Hold Big Advantage
KuPS were tagged underdogs in last week’s clash against Vardar but returned home with a big 2-0 victory, Brahima Magassa and Bob Armah appearing on the scoresheet.
They are also doing great in the Finnish Veikkausliiga, sitting top of the table after 15 rounds with 30 points, scoring almost two goals per encounter.
In their most recent league appearance, KuPS claimed a commanding 4-0 road win against another title contender HJK Helsinki, dominating the clash with 2.32-1.02 expected goals, 66% possession and 14-3 shots on target.
Vardar Facing an Uphill Battle
Vardar were not creative enough in the opening leg against KuPS last week, creating just one decent opportunity in a 2-0 loss. Nemanja Bosancic was sent off in the 74th minute which limited their attacking options.
They were the most dominant team in North Macedonia last week, comfortably winning the title with a nine-point gap from Shkendija, netting 80 goals in 33 matches.
Vardar locked horns against two minnows in pre-season, being held to a 1-1 draw by La Fiorita from San Marino, while beating another team from this country Virtus 3-2.
Team News
KuPS will once again be without Joslyn Luyeye-Lutumba who is serving a two-game ban from the previous season. Gustav Engvall had some fitness problems recently and is tagged as doubtful for this clash.
As for the visitors, midfielder Nemanja Bosancic is suspended for this fixture following his 76th-minute red card in the first leg.