KuPS vs Vardar prediction: expert analysis, possible lineups, July 14, 2026
Champions League
In the Champions League qualification round of 16, the return leg between KuPS and Vardar will take place on July 14, 2026. The hosts can afford even a minimal defeat.
KuPS vs Vardar: Team News and Expert Analysis
The team from Kuopio became champions after a break in 2024 and managed to retain their lead in Veikkausliiga in the following season. They have a good chance to finish first again. However, they are neck and neck with Inter Turku and Oulu. By mid-summer, they are averaging two points per round.
The club from Skopje has been a local historical giant but could not win the domestic championship again after 2020. Only in the most recent season did they manage to outperform everyone—Shkëndija, their main rival, finished nine points behind. In friendlies, they drew 1-1 with modest La Fiorita and defeated Virtus.
In the first match of the current tie, the present hosts effectively killed the intrigue. Their couple of goals before and after the break were answered only by an opponent's red card in the second half.
Previous Meetings: KuPS vs Vardar
The clubs played each other for the first time last week.
The Finns, of course, settled all questions even away from home. But against such an opponent and in their current form, they are likely to win again (odds – 2.0).
KuPS vs Vardar: Key Stats and Trends
- KuPS has won their last four matches
- On average, KuPS scores 1.8 goals and concedes 1 goal per match
- 67% of KuPS matches end with both teams scoring and the average total goals per match is 2.8
- Vardar has won seven of their last eight matches
- The club averages 2.42 goals scored and concedes 0.64 per match
KuPS vs Vardar: Probable Starting Lineups
KuPS plays a 1-4-2-3-1 formation (probable lineup): Kreidl - Antwi, Adams, Magassa, Puukko - Pennanen, Gask - Arma, Yuryu, Engvall - Moreno
Vardar uses a 1-4-4-2 formation (probable lineup): Taleski, Matic, Velkoski, Yankulov, Puleyo, Pires, Castaneda, Nikolov, Torres, Zakaric, Omeragic. Bosancic, coming on as a substitute, received two yellow cards
Place your bets on the upcoming match and follow your team's position in the Champions League qualification standings
