KuPS vs Shamrock – News and Probable Lineups

With a spot in the Conference League at stake, Irish champions Shamrock Rovers will head to Finland to compete against KuPS, the Finnish champions, at Vare Arena this Thursday for the second leg of their qualification playoff.

The Yellow-Black will be eager to rebound from their recent loss, while the Hoops aim to secure their first victory in four attempts.

Match overview

Although Miika Nuutinen’s KuPS secured the Finnish premier league title last season, they find themselves in poor form going into this match.

The Yellow-Black were defeated 4-2 on home soil by Mariehamn this past Sunday, marking the second consecutive outing without a win for the club.

To add to their troubles, Nuutinen’s side’s only victory in the last six matches across all tournaments was a 2-1 win against Lahti on August 16, which also included three draws and two losses.

Given this situation, supporters may be anxious about the hosts’ prospects of advancing to the league stage of the Conference League this week, especially after witnessing their team suffer two defeats and two draws in their last four home encounters.

Moreover, having a reliable defence will be essential with the high stakes this Thursday, but KuPS have seemed vulnerable at the back lately, managing just one clean sheet in the ten matches leading up to this fixture – a 1-0 win against Gnistan on August 1.

On the other hand, Stephen Bradley’s Rovers had a strong spell between mid-July and early August, securing five wins, one draw, and one loss, but they have slipped in recent weeks and are likely feeling uncertain about their chances.

The Hoops narrowly beat Dundalk 3-2 in the Irish Premier Division on August 7 but followed that with a significant 5-1 loss to Egnatia, resulting in their demotion to the Conference League qualification round.

While one adverse result can be seen as an isolated incident, Bradley’s side has yet to regain form, suffering a 3-2 defeat against rivals St Patrick’s Athletic in the cup and ending with a 1-1 draw in the first leg of this matchup.

To qualify for Europe in the 2026-27 season, the visitors must achieve a win on Thursday. However, considering their recent record of four losses and one draw in their last five away games, fans might understandably be anxious.

Adding to the concern is that Rovers have failed to score in three of those matches, while conceding a total of 12 goals during that stretch.

Team News

KuPS is expected to deploy Brahima Magassa and Kasim Adams in central defence on Thursday, with Saku Savolainen and Clinton Antwi expected to take up the full-back positions.

Valentin Gasc and Saikou Touray are likely to partner in midfield, while the adaptable Petteri Pennanen should continue in the number 10 role.

Leading the attack will likely be Jaime Moreno, flanked by Tommi Jyry and Bob Nii Armah.

For Shamrock Rovers, they will be without several offensive players this week, including promising attacking midfielders Naj Razi (broken jaw) and Victor Ozhianvuna (muscle), as well as right winger Daniel Grant (muscle) and striker John McGovern (groin).

In their stead, Jonathan Afolabi and Graham Burke may form a striking partnership, supported by Dylan Watts and Jack Byrne from midfield, while wing-backs Tunmise Sobowale and William Fitzgerald offer width.

Additionally, centre-back Daniel Cleary is also dealing with a muscle injury, although Lee Grace, Roberto Lopes, and Enda Stevens should be available to comprise the defensive trio for the Hoops.

KuPS probable starting XI:

Kreidl; Savolainen, Magassa, Adams, Antwi; Gasc, Touray; Jyry, Pennanen, Armah; Moreno

Shamrock Rovers probable starting XI:

McGinty; Grace, Lopes, Stevens; Sobowale, Watts, Healy, Byrne, Fitzgerald; Afolabi, Burke

KuPS will host on Thursday, yet their recent performances suggest they have struggled to make the most of home advantage.

A closely contested match is anticipated, regardless of the outcome, considering both Rovers and KuPS have faced difficulties on the road lately, especially in front of goal.