Borac Banja Luka have never lost a major European home game, but have suffered a disrupted build-up to this UEFA Conference League clash with KuPS, who have never won a major European fixture away from home.
Match News and Current Form
Borac Banja Luka haven’t played since their 2-1 defeat to Panathinaikos on matchday one, as Sunday’s league trip to Velež Mostar was postponed because of health problems affecting seven club members. With their identities unknown, it remains to be seen whether manager Vinko Marinović has to make changes as the Red-Blues chase a fifth European win of the season (D2, L3) having started Champions League qualifying in early July. Given the uncertainty surrounding their build-up, at least home advantage offers encouragement as they’ve never lost a major European game here (W5, D3), conceding just three times in the process.
KuPS had fewer concerns at the weekend, bouncing back from their 4-2 Conference League defeat to Trabzonspor by beating VPS 2-0 to stay in the hunt for the Finnish top-flight title. That victory ended a run of three straight defeats and should give the Yellow-Black a timely lift as they embark on their latest attempt to win a major European game away from home. It’s now 13 unsuccessful attempts for Miika Nuutinen’s side (D4, L9), nine of which also saw them fail to score, highlighting how hard they’ve found it to make an impact on their travels at this level.
Head-to-Head History
This is a first-ever H2H, as well as being Borac’s first fixture against Finnish opposition and KuPS’ maiden meeting with a Bosnian club.
Hot Stats and Streaks
Borac’s last three European games saw at least one goal in each half.
Four of Borac’s last six European home fixtures saw both teams score.
KuPS have failed to score in four of their last six main draw Conference League matches.
Exactly two KuPS players were booked in four of their last five competitive away outings.
Key Players to Watch and Missing Players
After scoring late for Borac against Panathinaikos, three of Miloš Jojić’s last four goals have come after the 65th minute. KuPS captain Petteri Pennanen has three goal contributions (G1, A2) across his last seven outings and could be a set-piece threat given that he scored direct from a corner against Trabzonspor.
Borac have no reported injuries, although they have not named those affected by the health issues at the club. Saku Savolainen was substituted late during KuPS’ weekend win over VPS.
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Betting Analysis
Borac’s strong record at home coupled with KuPS’ struggles on the road suggests backing Borac to win could be the way to go here.
Author: John Pennington
