KuPS vs AC Oulu - Veikkausliiga

A fascinating Veikkausliiga chapter awaits on April 22, 2026 when KuPS take on AC Oulu at the home ground — two sides with plenty to play for and everything to prove. The 74-year-old Hoops boss admitted that "it'll be a bit strange not having the (Celtic) fans in but I'm nervously and excitedly looking forward to it; it's a great fixture" and also spoke about the police visit.

Both KuPS and AC Oulu will be eager to build momentum when they meet in Veikkausliiga. The hosts have been steady if unspectacular, LLWDW in their last five reflecting a win rate of 54.55%. The visitors have been picking up results steadily, DWLLW over their last five with a campaign win rate of 45.45%. One side has leaned on a miserly defence, the other on a free-scoring attack, and the meeting of those contrasting strengths promises an intriguing tactical subtext. The on-loan Southampton striker had scored on his debut for Auxerre in defeat last weekend but followed it up with the winning goal against Nice to earn his old boss Will Still his first points in the job.

Stylistically, this is a compelling matchup. KuPS favour a patient, possession-based approach, whereas AC Oulu are at their most dangerous when allowed to hit quickly on the counter. In attack, Brazilian forward Kaua Elias has emerged as a name of interest, with United scouts watching the Shakhtar Donetsk striker after his hat‑trick against Kudrivka on Monday.

The fixture boasts genuine star quality. With H. Sjögrell topping the Veikkausliiga scoring charts at 6 goals, the stage is set for the kind of individual brilliance that can swing a contest. How each side deals with the other's danger men — and who takes their chances when they come — will be central to the outcome. The Roma midfielder has been identified as someone who could be the elusive third midfield signing this summer.

Predicting an outright winner is no easy task given how little separates the two sides on paper. With the sides so closely matched, a 2-2 stalemate looks the most likely way this one ends. The result at the home ground could resonate well beyond matchday in the Veikkausliiga picture. Manchester City will begin another Premier League season with major uncertainty hanging over the club after league chief executive Richard Masters admitted the long-awaited verdict on their financial case has taken longer than expected.