Milsami Orhei and KuPS tipped to play out high-scoring Conference League qualifier
FC Milsami vs KuPS Kuopio - 28/07/2022
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The UEFA Europa Conference League qualifier between Milsami Orhei and KuPS is finely poised at 2-2 as the teams prepare for the decider in Moldova on Thursday.
Finnish side KuPS took the lead on two occasions in the first leg. However, Moldovan outfit Milsami produced two equalisers to set up an intriguing second leg.
Can the Moldovan minnows book their place in the next round on home soil? Or will KuPS flex their muscles and continue their journey through the qualification process?
Milsami claimed a 2-0 aggregate victory over Lithuanian side FK Panevezys in the previous qualifying round, despite being held to a goalless draw in the first leg.
Thanks to a strong end to last season, Milsami head into the second leg on a six-game unbeaten streak across all competitions.
Milsami finished third in Moldova’s top tier last term, recording 15 wins, six draws and seven losses to end up 19 points shy of first-place Sheriff.
The new campaign gets underway this weekend, so Milsami will be eager to punch their ticket to the next Conference League round before their domestic commitments begin.
As for KuPS, they are already in the middle of their domestic season. In fact, they find themselves three points clear atop the Veikkausliiga table with 15 games in the books.
Thanks to a 5-1 thrashing on HIFK on Sunday, KuPS have won 11 of their 15 league games this season – recording three draws and one loss.
Not only do they have the best offensive record in the division (29), but they also boast the best defensive record (10).
KuPS are currently enjoying an eight-game unbeaten run in all competitions, having claimed five wins and three draws since their last loss.
Head-to-head: The first leg marked the first meeting between Milsami and KuPS, meaning the H2H record is even. Who will come out on top this week?
Team news: Milsami Orhei will be without Sergiu Istrati for the second leg after the forward sustained an eye injury.
As for KuPS, they have two injury absentees at the moment – centre-back Paulo Ricardo (shoulder) and midfielder Joona Veteli (knee).
Given what happened in the first leg, Milsami Orhei and KuPS are expected to play out another thrilling encounter on Thursday.
Forebet predicts that Milsami Orhei and KuPS will produce another high-scoring draw, with both sides netting over 1.5 goals.
Home team
Away team
Pred
Correct score
Avg. goals
Weather conditions
Coef.
Score
Live
coef.
ECL
195229
X
2 - 2
2.82
30° 3.75
4.50
3.75
1.67
no
no
no
1 - 4(1 - 1)