KuPS vs Ilves Predictions and Betting Tips
KuPS FC plays hosts to Ilves in the Finland Veikkausliiga on Monday. The Savon Sanomat Areena will host this highly-anticipated encounter as the home side will be keen on putting pressure on their opponent at the summit. Who comes out atop at the end of this one?
Neutral fans will hope to see more goals with the previous five games ending with under 2.5 goals. In that period, however, Ilves hasn't tasted victory over their opponents with only two of those five games ending in a draw. In the grand scheme of things, they have a better head-to-head record, winning 10 of the last seventeen encounters with their opposition. Will they finally break that five-game-old jinx?
Top spot in the sights of the home team
KuPS are heading into this game two points behind HJK who are in the first place. Arne Erlandsen and his troops, however, have played two games less and will claim top spot with a win today. The Kuopio-based outfit can now focus on their league campaign after falling short to CFR Cluj in the Europa League qualifications stage.
In their previous league game, they won away at IFK Mariehamn much to the delight of their supporters. Jiri Nissisen gave them the lead in the 38th minute to ensure they went into the break in front. With 60 minutes of play gone, they doubled their advantage, eventually recording a comfortable 2-0 win.
Third time might be the charm for Jarkko Wiss
The past two games between these two managers- and teams, have ended in a stalemate. Jarkko Wiss will be keen on getting it right the third time after narrowly getting the win in those games. His team is heading into this game with two straight wins in the bag. Will they make it three wins from three as they travel to Kuopio on Monday?
They were more than impressive at home to TPS in their previous match which ended 4-0 in their favour. Their midfielders did most of the scoring with Jair, Veteli, and Skytta grabbing a goal each from the middle of the park. Substitute attacker Ala-Myllymaki rounded up the scoring to cap off a fine performance for his side.
KuPS vs Ilves Team News
KuPS possible starting XI:
Virtanen; Pikk, Tomas, Tarasovs, Savolainen; Saxman, Adjei-Boateng, Nissila; Sale, Pennanen, Rangel
Ilves possible starting XI:
Hilander; Miettunen, Tomas, Rautiola; Almen, Skytta, Jair, Veteli, Aspegren; Mettala, Ala-Myllymaki
KuPs vs Ilves Prediction: 3-1
Prior to their loss last Thursday, KuPS were on a run of eight straight wins in all competitions. Their defence was also spot-on in those games as they kept four clean sheets. The away side, two weeks prior, was struggling for form. However, they managed to get back their mojo with two wins on the bounce. We expect this game to be a high-octane affair taking into account both team's recent results. However, we believe the home side are well-worth backing as they look to cement their place atop the table.
