Our football match prediction:
KuPS
Match Time & Date:
12/07/2018
17:00 GMT
Prediction: 1-1
FC Copenhagen
It has been six years since Kups played last their game in the Europa League. The Finnish side were outclassed by Bursaspor 6-0 back then and, no doubt, they are eager to make amends for the embarrassing defeat. Kups, though, are seen as underdogs in the first leg of the Europa League first qualifying round against Copenhagen and, no doubt, the hosts would be happy with the share of spoils. Copenhagen failed to win the national championship last term and, as a result, they compete in the Europa League this season. The Danes aim to get their job done in the first leg, but seeing that they often struggle on the travels in European competitions; we are tempted to put our money on draw. It has to be noted that the two teams meet for the first time ever on the international stage.
Highlighted Player (Andreas Cornelius):
The 23-year-old Danish international Andreas Cornelius plays as a striker for F.C. Copenhagen. Product of the youth set-up, Corneluis started his professional career at F.C. Copenhagen in 2012 when he joined the first-team of the Danish giants. His first goal for Copenhagen came in the very first game of the new season 2012-13 against Odense, when Cornelius scored an opening goal in a 2-2 draw. Cornelius’ immediate impact and impression in the first-team quickly made his the fan favourite. The Danish striker became one of the most popular players of the club despite playing only one full season with the first team before he was transferred to Cardiff City in 2013. Cornelius was unfortunate to sustain a recurrent ankle injury which prevented him from making his stamp in the new team and which also reduced his playing time to only 8 Premier League performances. Not only did Cornelius miss three months of club football, but he also failed at the chance to compete for his country in their final qualification games for the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil. Cornelius ended up returning to Copenhagen in January 2014, where he has so far played more than 65 matches and enjoyed 18 goals.
Highlighted Team (FC Copenhagen):
The most successful club in the history of Danish football F.C. Kopenhagen was founded in 1992, through the merger of 15-time Danish champions Kjobenhavns Boldklub and seven-time champions of Denmark Boldklubben 1903. Football Club Copenhagen play their matches at the Telia Parken, a venue that can host 38,000 spectators. The Team of the City as Copenhagen is called in Denmark has won the Danish football championship eleven times, while it has also won the Danish Cup on seven occasions. The club forms great rivalry with Copenhagen’s suburban club Brondby IF with games between the two club attracting some of the biggest crowds in Danish football history in this so called New Firm derby. Through its history F.C. Copenhagen have participated in the UEFA Cup Winners’ Cup, UEFA Europa League and UEFA Champions League, while their major European accomplishments have been achieved in the Royal League, with the Danish powerhouse winning two titles and coming as runners-up on one occasion.
