- KuPS won 2-0 away to Vardar in the first-leg of their UEFA Champions League Qualification 2026 tie.
- KuPS are unbeaten in 5 matches, winning 4 and drawing 1. They are currently on a 4-game winning streak.
- Vardar have won 4 of their last 5 matches, but their 2-0 loss to KuPS only a day ago will have dented their momentum.
KuPS and Vardar’s contrasting styles to do battle in Finland
This is a classic clash of styles with KuPS Palloseura, coached by Miika Nuutinen since 1st January 2026, favouring a proactive, possession-heavy set-up, while Cristian Fabbiani's Vardar, who was appointed on 1st July 2026, will prefer to smother the hosts, frustrate and nick it on the counter.
KuPS are a well-organised side who can shape-shift between a 4-2-3-1 and a more fluid 4-3-3, which they use to dominate the ball and push forward. They are favourites here at 27/25, while Vardar are 41/20 and the draw is 263/100.
Vardar will set up in a compact 4-2-3-1 or 4-4-1-1, and will be happy to sit back and let the home side have the ball, knowing that they can punish any lapses with their pace and energy on the flanks. They will look to Goran Zakaric for a spark, as he has been the best player in their side so far, registering 4 goals in their last 5 games.
KuPS have the edge on the night
The market is clearly leaning towards goals in this game, as the over 2.5 line is 81/100 and both teams to score comes in at 63/100, so this could open up fast. Vardar have won 7, drawn 1 and lost 2 in their last 10 in all competitions, so they're flying at the moment.
KuPS are also on a roll, having won 7 of their last 10 in all competitions, drawn 2 and lost just 1. They have the home advantage and are well-placed to edge this one. They have won 3, drawn 1 and lost 1 in their last 5 at home in all competitions.
There is a real momentum to Nuutinen's side at the moment, and with Bob Nii Armah leading the line and 1 goal in UEFA Champions League Qualification 2026 so far, they are likely to be the difference between the two sides on the night.
