Trabzonspor are the stronger team, but I suspect they might rotate heavily to preserve fitness for upcoming derby against Besiktas. KuPS scored at home regularly, so BTTS is the standout option here.
Key Stats
- KuPS have scored 14 goals in their last 10 home matches.
- KuPS have seen BTTS in 3 of their last 4 matches (European competitions).
- Trabzonspor have failed to keep a clean sheet in 7 of their last 8 away matches.
No Previous Meetings
This is going to be the first head to head match between KuPS and Trabzonspor.
KuPS Struggling in Finland
KuPS made it to the Conference League main stage after eliminating Shamrock Rovers 2-1 on aggregate in the playoffs. The first game in Ireland ended 1-1, followed by a 1-0 home win where Graham Burke scored an own goal in the 75th minute.
They were tagged big favorites against Oulu earlier this month but suffered a disappointing 1-0 home loss against the last placed squad in the Veikkausliiga Championship bracket.
Another major setback in the title race was last weekend, losing 1-0 to Inter Turku. Brahima Magassa’s red card in the 60th minute changed the flow of this game, the opposition netting 19 minutes later.
Visitors Flying Under Thomas Reis
After losing three out of four games across competitions from late August to mid-September, head manager Fatih Tekke resigned from his position while Thomas Reis was appointed as his replacement.
Even though he had just one day to prepare, Trabzonspor looked incredible in Reis' debut, crushing Galatasaray 4-0 in front of the home crowd. Star player Mohamed Salah scored hat-trick and provided one assist in this derby.
They made it two in a row last weekend, crushing Samsunspor 3-0 as visitors, scoring all three goals in the first half. Ernest Muci, Chibuike Nwaiwu and Franculino appeared on the scoresheet.
Team News & Predicted Lineups
KuPS (4-2-3-1) Johannes Kreidl; Saku Savolainen, Brahima Magassa, Kasim Nuhu, Clinton Antwi; Valentin Gasc, Petteri Pennanen; Joslyn Luyeye-Lutumba, Tommi Jyry, Bob Nii Armah; Jaime Moreno Ciorciari
The home side have no reported injuries or suspensions ahead of this clash.
The home side have no reported injuries or suspensions ahead of this clash.
Trabzonspor (4-2-3-1) Andre Onana; Wagner Pina, Stefan Savic, Samet Akaydin, Mustafa Eskihellac; Ozan Tufan, Celil Yuksel; Aral Simsir, Samed Onur, Emre Kilinc; Franculino Dju
Chibuike Nwaiwu and Sidny Lopes Cabral serve suspensions, while Onuralp Cevikkan, Ruslan Malinovskyi, Umut Nayir, Okay Yokuslu, and Tim Jabol-Folcarelli remain sidelined. Star players Mohamed Salah, Ernest Muci and Fabinho are likely to start on bench.
Chibuike Nwaiwu and Sidny Lopes Cabral serve suspensions, while Onuralp Cevikkan, Ruslan Malinovskyi, Umut Nayir, Okay Yokuslu, and Tim Jabol-Folcarelli remain sidelined. Star players Mohamed Salah, Ernest Muci and Fabinho are likely to start on bench.