European Preview – Derry City v KuPS Kuopio
Derry City vs KuPS Kuopio – Thursday 27th July 2023 – KO 7.45pm – Brandywell
UEFA Europa Conference League – QF Round 2 – 1st Leg
Match sponsored by McCambridge Duffy & Budget Energy
The Candystripes are back in Europa Conference action on Thursday night when Finnish side Kuopion Palloseura (KuPS) arrive on Foyleside for their second round first-leg tie.
Ruaidhri Higgins was delighted with his side’s progression this season- the first time in nine years that Derry had won through a round in Europe- but said more would be needed to get past their current opponents.
“It’s absolutely no disrespect to Torshavn, but KuPS are a step up again” said the City manager.
“We’ve had them watched and obviously done plenty of preparation work ahead of the tie and they have some real quality players.
“They also have pedigree in this competition- coming through three rounds in both the two previous years before losing out in the final qualifiers to Cluj and Union Berlin respectively.
“It’s a very difficult tie for us but we have quality players of our own as well; players who have been this far, and further themselves.
“I thought we were really good for 130 of the 180 minutes against Torshavn and we need to reproduce that level for the whole tie this time.
On the team front, the City boss said that Adam O’Reilly would return to the squad following suspension and that it was an otherwise clean bill of health for his charges.
“Adam has been out for a few weeks and we’ve missed him. He gives us real energy and he’s champing at the bit to get going.
“Other than that we’re working off the same squad as the first round.
“It’s a big night for us and I hope our supporters can create the same atmosphere that they did last Thursday night.
“Our home form has really picked up recently and we’ll be looking to build on that.
“We lost the home leg against a quality Riga side last year but then had two or three great chances out there to pull it back, so we’ll be looking to start positively here and trying to win the game.”
Thursday’s match kicks off at 7.45 and will be streamed live on LOITV.
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As usual, both Drive105 and Radio Foyle will be providing live commentary coverage of the game.