Lech Poznań vs. KuPS – News and Probable Lineups

Lech Poznan is set to host KuPS at Stadion Poznan on Thursday evening as they look to secure their spot in the last 16 of this season’s Conference League in the second leg of their play-off encounter.

While the home side is already close to advancing, their opponents will be eager to fight for survival and avoid an early exit.

Match overview

After starting their Conference League group stage with two losses in three matches, Lech Poznan turned things around, finishing strong with seven points from their last nine available, capturing victories against Lausanne and Sigma Olomouc, alongside a draw with Mainz 05.

This performance placed them 11th in the league stage of UEFA’s third-tier tournament, paving the way for a play-off matchup against KuPS. In the first leg last week, Niels Frederiksen’s squad quickly established their authority with goals from Antoni Kozubal and Taofeek Ismaheel, leading to a 2-0 victory.

After experiencing losses in their first two matches of 2026, Duma Wielkopolski has bounced back with four consecutive wins, scoring a total of 8 goals while only conceding once, following a 2-1 triumph over Korona on Sunday.

With 13 league fixtures left, the Polish champions are keen to retain their domestic title, currently positioned third in the Ekstraklasa standings and just two points shy of leaders Jagiellonia.

At this moment, their primary focus is on the upcoming second leg, as Lech Poznan is just 90 minutes away from advancing to the knockout rounds of an international competition for the first time since their exit in the last 32 to Braga in the 2015 Europa League.

KuPS was unable to find the net for a third consecutive match during the 2-0 defeat against Lech Poznan, although they did score three times in their recent league match against Jaro, albeit they lost 4-3.

For the first time in six years, Miika Nuutinen’s team has encountered four consecutive losses across competitions, leaving them in urgent need of a morale boost before their journey to Polônia.

The recent struggles of the Yellow-Blacks have been heavily influenced by their vulnerable defence, having conceded goals in six consecutive games since their goalless draw against Lausanne on December 11, which marked the first of two consecutive draws rounding off the Conference League group stage.

KuPS finished in 21st place in the standings, barely qualifying for the play-offs based on goal difference, but their European journey is at risk of ending unless they produce an incredible comeback this Thursday.

Historically, they have faced challenges in away fixtures, not winning a European match on the road since 2022. Nonetheless, their last away match provided a glimmer of hope as they managed a 2-2 draw against Premier League side Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park.

Team News

For Lech Poznan, Daniel Hakans remains out of action due to an ankle injury, while Radoslaw Murawski is still in recovery following surgery.

Timothy Ouma and Joel Pereira are on the brink of suspension, needing to avoid yellow cards in order to be eligible for the round-of-16 first leg if the hosts advance.

Taofeek Ismaheel has been a key player with direct contributions to five goals – scoring three and assisting twice – in seven appearances in the Conference League this season, making him a player to keep an eye on.

Joslyn Luyeye-Lutumba, aged 23, will be unavailable for KuPS on Thursday due to the red card he received just 12 minutes into the first leg.

On the other hand, Clinton Antwi has completed his suspension and is expected to return to the starting XI.

Lech Poznan probable starting XI:

Mrozek; Gurgul, Milic, Monka, Pereira; Jagiello, Kozubal; Palma, Rodriguez, Ismaheel; Isaac

KuPS probable starting XI:

Kreidl; Puukko, Hamalainen, Lotjonen, Antwi; Gasc, Ruoppi, Kujasalo; Pennanen, Engvall, Armah

Lech Poznan has scored seven goals in three home fixtures during this season’s Conference League and are favored to defeat a struggling KuPS team.

While the pressure is on the visitors to take control of the match, we anticipate that Lech Poznan will replicate their first-leg performance and achieve a solid aggregate victory.