UEFA Champions League: FC Copenhagen vs. Trabzonspor Preview, Odds, Prediction

The Danish and the Turkish champions FC Copenhagen and Trabzonspor meet in the UEFA Champions League playoffs. Their first leg takes place at the Parken Stadium this Tuesday. The home unit is a favorite, though, the Turks have their ambitions and plan too. Trabzonspor comes to Denmark in excellent form, which can’t be said for the hosts, who are experiencing glitches in their performances and results. This is a highly interesting matchup, possibly the closest of all the playoff ones. Smail details can decide who goes to the most prominent club competition in Europe.

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Preview

FC Copenhagen (+110) lost on Saturday at home to Randers FC, 1-3. It was the third defeat in the past five games for this crew, and that isn’t a good sign before the start of the international challenges.

The Danish champs play efficient and enjoyable football. The last four games are the main proof of that, as they all ended with both teams scoring and at least four goals. The only problem is the inconsistency, which hasn’t been seen during the preseason.

Jess Thorup’s crew prefers an attacking-minded style of play, regardless of the price. That’s why Copenhagen allows so many goals. Though, if they strike first and get the groove, the opponents usually leave the field beaten. Opposite that, they tend to show signs of struggle when falling behind.

Trabzonspor (+280) started the season fast, winning the Turkish Super Cup by beating Sivasspor 4-0. The champs sent a message to all other teams in the country about their readiness to go all the way once again.

After that, Trabzonspor won on the road against Istanbulspor, 0-2 and at home against Hata, 1-0. As you can see here, they haven’t allowed a goal in all these three events. This team didn’t change too many players during the summer, so the chemistry is intact.

They were one of the most efficient teams in Turkey last season, playing quick and direct football, but apparently, the defense took the step to another level throughout the pause. We didn’t see them this confident in the past. Though, we are going to mention that neither of these recent contests was against some tough opposition.

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Several players are questionable for the hosts. Peter Ankersen, Davit Khlocholava, Matthew Ryan and Mohamed Daramy are questionable. Kamil Grabara and Luther Singh have been injured for a long time.

Huseyin Turkmen, the veteran Marek Hamsik, and Edin Fisca are out for the visiting side.

Head to Head Games

This is the first time for these two teams to meet in the official game. We also didn’t find any friendly nor training games.

Prediction

Trabzon probably won’t be eager to attack, but on the other side is a crew that always wants to be offensive-minded. Copenhagen is aware that they will have to get a positive result at home in order to advance to the next round. Our pick is over 2.5 goals, with the odds on that currently sitting at -166. Copenhagen will force Trabzon to accept their style of play. Otherwise, the Turks could be in problems if they defend for all 90 minutes.

Pick: Over 2.5 goals -166