KuPS and Gent have struggled to translate strong domestic form into the UEFA Conference League this term, with their respective domestic form also dwindling of late.
Match News and Current Form
KuPS have lost their opening two Conference League games against Trabzonspor (4-2) and Borac Banja Luka (2-0) to extend their losing sequence in major European matches to four. A fifth in a row would be unprecedented, and as they’re now winless in four competitive matches (D2, L2), it’s less than ideal that they have to play this game at Tammelan Stadium in Tampere rather than Kuopio. The Yellow-Blacks have only won one of the last seven European games as the designated home side (D2, L4), form that surely must improve if they’re to replicate last term’s run to the knockout phase play-offs of this competition.
Gent’s unbeaten Belgian Pro League start ended on Sunday when they lost 2-0 to promoted side Lommel, so Rik De Mil’s side are also on the back foot as they head to Finland. Unlike their hosts, they are at least off the mark in the Conference League this term (W1, L1), but their recent blip in form has seen them win just one of their last four competitive games (L3), including matchday two’s 2-0 defeat at Braga. Struggling on this stage is nothing new for the Buffalos, who have lost six of their last seven major European games away from home (W1), including five successive group/league phase defeats.
Head-to-Head History
These two sides have never previously met, while KuPS have lost both previous meetings with Belgian clubs and Gent have never faced a side from Finland.
Hot Stats and Streaks
KuPS have won just one of their last 17 major European fixtures (D6, L10).
KuPS are yet to lead at half-time in a Conference League proper home game (HT: D3, L2).
Seven of Gent’s eight European games this season produced under 2.5 goals.
Gent failed to score in four of their last six away Conference League proper matches (W1, L5).
Key Players to Watch and Missing Players
Gustav Engvall’s last four scoring appearances for KuPS came in games that featured over 3.5 goals, the last two of which ended in 4-2 defeats including against Trabzonspor in this competition. Gent winger Momodou Sonko has netted three of his last four club goals before the 25th minute and is yet to lose when scoring (W3, D3).
Jaime Moreno missed KuPS’ last game, while Gent pair Michel-Ange Balikwisha and Christian Burgess sat out the weekend defeat to Lommel.
Betting Analysis
Gent’s poor record on the road in Europe makes them unconvincing favourites for this one, so backing KuPS/draw double chance could be worth considering despite the hosts’ own problems.
Author: John Pennington