- Team form: KuPS have won four of their last five matches in all competitions, losing the other in extra time.
- Away form: VPS have won two of their last eight away Veikkausliiga 2026 games and average just 0.75 goals per game on the road.
- Head-to-head: KuPS have won one, lost two and tied two of the last five Veikkausliiga 2026 head-to-head encounters.
Home side are high-flying KuPS
League position and recent form
KuPS are the league leaders in the Veikkausliiga 2026 with 33 points from 16 games while 3rd placed VPS are only three points behind them on 27 points from 16. The title race is already in the hands of KuPS, and they look to have the momentum to stay at the top of the table.
KuPS have been in good form of late, winning four of their last five games in all competitions. Their most recent result was a 0-2 away win at SJK in the Veikkausliiga 2026.
Tactics and matchup
Miika Nuutinen took over at KuPS on the 1st of January 2026 and his high-press, high-tempo system has been built to win the ball back in a hurry and hit the opposition on the counter attack. That will be tested here, as VPS are a low-risk, compact side who can sit deep and counter.
Visitors are very solid
Form and structure
VPS have won 2, tied 1 and lost 2 of their last five outings in all competitions. Jussi Nuorela took over at VPS in June 2021 and has built the side on the back of a solid defense and quick counter.
Recent results and key players
- Their most recent games were a 1-0 home win over SJK and a 2-1 away defeat to HJK Helsinki in Veikkausliiga 2026.
- Luka Smyth is VPS's most lethal outlet and leads the Veikkausliiga 2026 goal tally with seven goals in 14 games, and Jaime Moreno is KuPS's sharpest attacker with eight goals from 13 games.
KuPS have the edge
The head-to-head history between these two sides is extremely tight, but VPS have edged it when visiting KuPS recently, winning two of the last three. KuPS are unbeaten in eight Veikkausliiga 2026 home games, winning five and drawing three, conceding just eight goals in that time.
KuPS are the clear favorites at 1.77 with VPS much better value at 4.12 and the tie at 3.6, but I believe they will nick it at home on Saturday. It is unlikely to be a walkover, however, and a KuPS win and under 3.5 goals is more likely than any other result at this price.
