KuPS vs Craiova Prediction 6 August 2026
💣 The third qualifying round of the Europa League brings together two sides that were aiming higher not long ago. Finnish club KuPS host Romanian outfit Craiova in the first leg of this tie on the champions path. Both dropped down from Champions League qualifying, which gives this match an edge - neither side is here by choice. The game takes place in Kuopio at Kuopion Keskuskenttä. Editor's Pick below.
Head-to-Head
📊 These two sides have never met before.
Head-to-head statistics KuPS - Craiova
Kuopion Palloseura Team Overview
Their last competitive match was in the Veikkausliiga. They won away at Gnistan, 1-0. Here are the stats (KuPS vs Gnistan):
- Possession: 55% vs 45%;
- Corners: 3 vs 8;
- Fouls: 16 vs 13;
- Yellow cards: 2 vs 1;
- Shots on target: 7 vs 8.
KuPS are in great shape right now, sitting top of the Finnish league after 18 rounds with 39 points. The form is consistent, the defence has been solid, and the squad looks settled. They did suffer a painful exit to Azerbaijani side Sabah in the Champions League qualifiers, but it hasn't knocked the confidence - the dressing room atmosphere seems fine. At home, they'll want to build a lead before the second leg in Romania.
Match Results: Kuopion Palloseura
Craiova Team Overview
Craiova's last match was in the Romanian Liga 1, a 4-0 home win over Petrolul Ploiești. Here's how the stats broke down (Craiova vs Petrolul Ploiești):
- possession: 62% vs 38%;
- corners: 4 vs 2;
- fouls: 15 vs 9;
- yellow cards: 1 vs 2;
- shots on target: 11 vs 2.
Craiova are only three games into the new Romanian league season - six points, third place. The potential is there, but consistency isn't. Their European campaign got off to a rough start with an early exit against Bulgarian side Levski, which pushed them into the Europa League. The assumption here is that they travel to Finland with one clear aim: don't lose, and bring the tie back to a home ground they can work with.
Match Results: Craiova
Prediction on the over/under
- Craiova have scored under 1.5 goals in last 9 away games.
Prediction on corners
- Kuopion Palloseura have taken over 3.5 corners in 11 of last 12 home games.
Prediction on the outcome
- Kuopion Palloseura won with a +1.5 handicap in 18 of last 19 games.
- Kuopion Palloseura won with a +1.5 handicap in 11 of last 12 home games.
⭐ Editor's Pick
KuPS are at their physical peak right now. Romania's season is only just getting started, which means their combinations and fitness levels could let them down in a tight game. KuPS are traditionally very strong at home, where the specific surface causes real problems for visiting sides who aren't used to it. The motivation factor is huge too - the Finnish league leaders are desperate to make amends in front of their own fans after the Champions League slip-up last time out. We expect the hosts not to lose this match. A 1:1 draw after 90 minutes is a realistic outcome.
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Betting Tips: Kuopion Palloseura - Craiova
in last 4 home games.in 7 of last 8 Kuopion Palloseura home games.
in 7 of last 8 Ondrej Berka games.in 13 of last 14 Ondrej Berka games.in last 9 away games.
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