Sabah FC backed to finish off KuPS and reach next round

The second leg of the UEFA Champions League second qualifying round takes place late on Tuesday night, with KuPS hosting Sabah FC. KuPS are currently on a two-match losing run in the Champions League qualifiers in normal time, while Sabah FC have won three straight in the competition. With the contrast in form so clear, Sabah FC are backed to complete a double over their opponents and progress.

KuPS have shown a clear split in form while juggling two competitions. They have been excellent in the league, putting together a five-game winning streak, but they have struggled badly in the Champions League qualifiers, where they have now lost two in a row in normal time. One of those defeats came in the first leg of this tie, when they lost to Sabah FC. That poor European form has seriously damaged their outlook for this match, especially as they trail by one goal and no longer control their own path to qualification. Turning the tie around will be a difficult task, so it is understandable that KuPS are not favored here.

Sabah FC may come from the Azerbaijani top flight, but they have emerged as surprise performers in this season's Champions League qualifiers. They have surged to three consecutive wins, including a 1-0 victory over KuPS in the first leg of the second round thanks to the decisive goal from Joy-Lance Mickels, giving them the upper hand in the tie. At the same time, Sabah FC have been outstanding at both ends of the pitch across those three matches, scoring five goals and conceding just one. They have found a strong balance between attack and defense. It is also worth noting that Sabah FC scored first in all three of those Champions League qualifying matches, showing they can settle quickly. Against a KuPS side that has struggled recently in Europe, Sabah FC look well placed to take another win.