Trabzonspor will play host to Copenhagen in their second leg of their Champions League playoff tie, needing to overturn a deficit to progress through with kickoff at 10 pm.
In 2021-22, Trabzonspor dominated the Super Lig. They will feel that they deserve to be in the Champions League group stages for the first time since 2011-12.
However, Abdullah Avci’s side will have to forget about two straight losses to earn their place at European football’s top table. The only positive from the away leg in Denmark was Anastasios Bakasetas’ goal 11 minutes from time after Copenhagen had established a two-goal lead by the 48th minute.
Then this past weekend, Trabzonspor lost 5-2 to Antalyaspor, succumbing to three goals in the 80th minute or later.
In the first leg, Trabzonspor won 3-1 over Copenhagen. Jess Thorup has witnessed the defending champions lose three of their opening six matches with each win being followed by a defeat, although the club now has two successive victories in all competitions.
On the back of the success in the first leg, Lyngby took a 3-0 loss to Trabzonspor on their home turf, with all three goals coming inside the opening 52 minutes. Viktor Claesson and Pep Biel have netted five strikes apiece on the domestic scene and offer the biggest threat for the away side.
Trabzonspor vs Copenhagen Head to Head
Both sides have one game against each other with hosts taking the win. Here is a look at their previous encounters:
Home
- Antalyaspor 5-2 Trabzonspor
- Copenhagen 2-1 Trabzonspor
- Trabzonspor 1-0 Hatayspor
- Istanbulspor 0-2 Trabzonspor
Away
- Lyngby 0-3 Copenhagen
- Copenhagen 2-1 Trabzonspor
- Copenhagen 1-3 Rangers
- Copenhagen 4-1 Brondby
Trabzonspor Team News
The coach could revert back to the team which started the first leg. That is more likely with Thorup having been able to rest players during the second half against Lyngby, while Kevin Diks should return at right-back despite the knock that he sustained last week.
Copenhagen Team News
Enis Bardhi came off the bench to score twice in midweek and may be given a chance to start in attack, with Marc Bartra an option at centre-back. Stefano Denswil’s place could be under threat after being replaced in the last two games, but Vitor Hugo was withdrawn at half time on Saturday.
Prediction and Odds
Trabzonspor’s bigger issues come in defense, and they may focus on keeping things tight at the back over initially pushing to win this contest.
- Draw
- Double Chance
- Goals Under 2.5
