FC Copenhagen vs Trabzonspor Match Analysis and Prediction

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FC Copehagen play host to Trabzonspor in the Champions League qualification playoff round, with the winner after two legs progressing to the group stage.

While the hosts last advanced beyond the qualification rounds in the 2016-17 campaign, Trabzonspor have not done so since the 2011-12 season.

After winning the Danish Superliga for the first time in three years, Copenhagen manager Jess Thorup will be determined to see his side reap their rewards by reaching the group stage of the Champions League.

The financial income that comes with making it to Europe’s elite competition proper is huge for a club of Copenhagen’s calibre, while helping them both retain and attract better and more ambitious players in the medium-term.

However, having lost three of their first five league matches this season, it would be fair to say Copenhagen do not head into their crucial two-legged tie against the Turkish champions in the best form, with Friday’s 3-1 defeat at home to Randers a particular concern given their usual strength at Parken Stadium.

On the other hand, Trabzonspor crowned a remarkable season by winning the Turkish Super Lig for the first time in 38 years.

Abdullah Avci, who twice guided Istanbul Basaksehir to a runners-up spot in the previous managerial role, went one better with Karadeniz Firtinasi, eventually finishing eight points clear of the second-placed Fenerbahce.

Former Copenhagen striker Andreas Cornelius led the line impressively during his debut season at the club, finally coming of age with 15 league goals across the course of the campaign.

The 29-year-old may hold mixed feelings about the prospect of facing his local team on Tuesday, but he will ultimately be expected to put professional pride ahead of any personal love and he could play a crucial part in terms of dictating the outcome of the tie.

FC Copenhagen vs Trabzonspor head to head

The two teams have not previously met in any competition and this will be their first meeting in the first leg of their Champions League playoff round tie.

FC Copenhagen latest home form

FC Copenhagen have recently failed to keep a good run of form at home, having won just two of their five most recent matches. They lost 3-1 to Randers in their last home game in the league. In their last five matches, they have scored seven goals and conceded eight.

FC Copenhagen 0-2 Sikeborg 27/06/22

FC Copenhagen 0-1 Horsens 17/07/22

FC Copenhagen 2-1 Fremad Amager 18/07/22

FC Copenhagen 4-1 Brondby 07/08/22

FC Copenhagen 1-3 Randers 12/08/22

FC Copenhagen latest away form

FC Copenhagen lost 4-2 to Viborg in their last away game in the league. However, they have recently been on a good run of form on the road, as they have been unbeaten in their previous six matches. In their last five matches, they have scored 18 goals and conceded seven.

Randers 0-2 FC Copenhagen 15/05/22

Feyenoord 0-7 FC Copenhagen 02/07/22

Club Brugge 2-4 FC Copenhagen 09/07/22

Aab 1-3 FC Copenhagen 24/07/22

Viborg 4-2 FC Copenhagen 31/07/22

Trabzonspor latest home form

Trabzonspor have recently been on a relatively good run of form at home, as they have won each of their two most recent matches. They managed to defeat Hatayspor 1-0 in their last home game in the league. In their last five matches, they have scored seven goals and conceded six.

Trabzonspor 2-2 Slovacko 16/07/22

Trabzonspor 0-3 Torino 23/07/22

Trabzonspor 0-1 Empoli 25/07/22

Trabzonspor 4-0 Sivasspor 30/07/22

Trabzonspor 1-0 Hatayspor 12/08/22

Trabzonspor latest away form

Trabzonspor have recently kept a mixed run of form on the road, having won just two of their five most recent matches. They managed to defeat Istanbulspor 2-0 in their last away game in the league. In their last five matches, they have scored nine goals and also conceded nine.

Adana Demirspor 1-3 Trabzonspor 23/04/22

Hatayspor 1-1 Trabzonspor 06/05/22

Kayserispor 4-2 Trabzonspor 10/05/22

Istanbul Basaksehir 3-1 Trabzonspor 22/05/22

Istanbulspor 0-2 Trabzonspor 05/08/22

FC Copenhagen news

FC Copenhagen have a number of injury concerns ahead ot Tuesday’s home leg, with their main two goalkeepers Kamil Grabara and Mathew Ryan both ruled out for this contest.

Karl-Johan Johnsson will deputise between the sticks, while Luther Singh, Mohamed Daramy, Peter Ankersen, Nicolai Boilesen and Davit Khoccholava are unlikely to feature.

Trabzonspor news

Trabzonspor will travel without key attacker Edin Visca, who is likely to be out until November with a fractured arm sustained during Friday’s 1-0 win over Hatayspor.

Yusuf Erdogan could replace Visca on the right flank, while midfielder Marek Hamsik is also ruled out for this contest due to a calf injury.

Prediction and Odds

Both teams miss key players through injury and the quality in general play could be reduced, especially with so much at stake for these sides.

However, Trabzonspor have clearly kicked off the season in better form, and we expect them to avoid defeat and establish themselves as favourites to reach the group stage.

Odds: 1 2.28 X 2.05 2 2.20