Vardar vs KuPS prediction: team news, lineups, expert analysis
Champions League
In the Champions League qualification round of 16 on July 7, 2026, the first match between Vardar and KuPS will take place. The visitors will try to achieve a result, taking advantage of their match practice.
Vardar vs KuPS: Team news and expert analysis
The club from Skopje has reminded everyone of its status as a historic giant. After a six-year break, they won the championship title, their twelfth in history. In the summer friendlies, they started with a draw against La Fiorita, then beat Virtus 3-2.
The team from Kuopio returned to first place two seasons ago and managed to keep it in the next Veikkausliiga campaign. Currently, however, they face serious competition from Inter Turku and Oulu. At the moment, they share the leading position with the former—both have thirty points from fifteen rounds—while the third competitor is right on the heels of the recognized favorites, and the main battle is still ahead. At the same time, European competitions add extra workload.
The Macedonians scored 2.42 goals per game last season, conceding only 0.64. The Finns averaged 1.80 goals scored and conceded one per match.
Previous matches: Vardar vs KuPS
For the first time, the guests from Finland will visit the capital of North Macedonia.
The visiting side has not always impressed recently. Such an opponent should be beaten at home—we believe they will manage it now (odds – 1.80).
Vardar vs KuPS: Key statistics and trends
- Vardar have won eight of their last nine matches
- KuPS have won their last three games
- 67% of KuPS matches end with goals from both teams, and the average total goals per game is 2.8
Vardar vs KuPS: Probable starting lineups
Vardar play a 1-4-4-2 formation (possible lineup): Taleski - Omeragic, Cvetkovic, Matic, Najdoski - Velkoski, Yankulov, Babunski, Nikolov - Danev, Zakaric
KuPS play a 1-4-2-3-1 formation (possible lineup): Kreidl - Antwi, Lotjonen, Hyamyalainen, Savolainen - Pennanen, Kujasalo - Arma, Ruoppi, Heiskanen - Moreno
Follow the Champions League qualification standings and check your team's form before placing a bet on the next match
