Looking to finish off the job and extend on their Champions League qualifying adventure, KuPS will welcome Vardar to Finland on Tuesday afternoon.
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Verdict: KuPS win
Best Odds: 7/11
Bookmaker: 1xBet
KuPS
Starting with the hosts, producing a rugged first-leg performance on foreign soil last week, KuPS find themselves sat firmly in the driving seat here. Eventually landing a 2-0 victory in Skopje, Miika Nuutinen’s men are riding a serious wave of momentum. Signing off June with a thumping 4-0 victory away at bitter domestic foes HJK, the Yellows have now won all of their previous four consecutive appearances across all competitions by an aggregate score of 12-4. Leading the chase to defend their Veikkausliiga crown this season, KuPS have also gained a real reputation for their clinical displays in the final third. It should also be highlighted, Tuesday’s hosts are unbeaten in all of their last 13 straight matchups within 90 minutes – a purple patch that stems all the way back to May 2nd.
KuPS Team News
Both still dealing with respective injury issues, KuPS will once again be without the duo of Jerry Voutilainen and former Lahti midfielder Samuel Pasanen on Tuesday afternoon.
However, overcoming a recent muscle issue and making a late cameo appearance off the bench last week, Ugandan international Calvin Kabuye should get some more minutes under his belt. Bagging a first-leg strike last week, Brahima Magassa will start at the heart of KuPS’ defence.
Vardar
As for the visitors, missing out on the chance to claim what would have been a crucial first-leg performance in Skopje last week, Vardar have an almighty job on their hands here. Eventually slumping to that 2-0 loss at the National Arena, Cristian Fabbiani’s side find their Champions League qualifying dreams hanging by a thread. However, enjoying a major domestic romp and clinching a first top-flight crown since back in 2020 last season, Vardar have largely gained a reputation for their rugged approach. Signing off the 2025/26 campaign by winning each of their final seven consecutive First Division appearances, Tuesday’s guests also conceded just a sole domestic strike since the start of April.
Vardar Team News
Shown a dramatic first-leg red card in Skopje last week just 12 minutes after coming on as a second-half substitute, former Dalian Pro midfielder Nemanja Bosancic will miss out through suspension on Tuesday afternoon.
Completing a free switch to the reigning Macedonian champions ahead of the new campaign, one-time FCSB midfielder Boban Nikolov will start in the middle of the park. Returning to Skopje back in January, Darko Velkovski will partner Mislav Matic at the back.
KuPS vs Vardar Key Factors to Consider
- When KuPS and Vardar met for their first-leg showdown in Skopje last week, Tuesday’s hosts secured a 2-0 victory on foreign soil.
- KuPS have won each of their previous four consecutive appearances across all competitions by an aggregate score of 12-4.
- Tuesday’s hosts are unbeaten in all of their last 13 straight matchups within 90 minutes – a purple patch that stems all the way back to May 2nd.
- Despite missing out on the chance to claim a crucial first-leg advantage last week, Vardar have recorded a clean sheet in seven of their last nine matchups across all fronts.
- Seven of Vardar’s last nine matchups on the road have finished with under 2.5 goals.
Conclusion
Producing another eye-catching first-leg performance last week as they secured a deserved 2-0 victory in Skopje, KuPS will be looking to extend on their Champions League qualifying adventure with another flurry. Embarking on what has become another extended purple patch, Tuesday’s hosts will be seeking of a repeat display when they return to Finland in midweek. Winning all of their previous four appearances across all competitions by an aggregate score of 12-4, KuPS have also not suffered a single defeat in front of their own supporters within 90 minutes since back on February 22nd.
Verdict: KuPS win
Best Odds: 7/11
Bookmaker: 1xBet
