HIFK v Haka
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Saturday 9th July – 3:00PM KO
HIFK’s revival ended before it began as they returned to losing ways in spectacular style last week against Ilves. A 0-1 defeat was overshadowed by a petulant outburst from Sergei Eremenko and goalkeeper Beto in injury time, Beto getting sent off in the process. His form has been hugely erratic during his time in Finland and there’s an opportunity now for a change. The early goal conceded (in the first minute) didn’t encourage much-attacking quality as they only managed two shots in the entire game. Mixu Paatelainen’s experience and knowledge has yielded very little so far since returning to Finland.
Teemu Tainio’s Haka this season are a far more credible threat up front with the addition of Scottish striker Lee Erwin, with seven goals in twelve league games. Erwin has provided a focus for the side, dangerous from set-pieces as well as open play. New Zealand winger Logan Rogerson has also weighed in with three goals. But Haka’s defence has been poor, one of the worst in the division (conceding 22 goals) and only keeping one clean sheet so far. After a decent start to 2022, they have settled into the lower half of the table and the gap between themselves and safety is getting smaller.
This would be an ideal match for Haka to get back to winning ways. HIFK are literally a club in crisis and have very little to offer at either end of the pitch. Two Finland legends in each dug out may be the biggest interest but HIFK’s season is likely to continue drifting towards relegation.
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Prediction: Haka to Win, 1.83 on Betfair (⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️)
KuPS v Lahti
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Sunday 10th July- 2:00PM KO
Leaders KuPS took a big step towards the next round of Europa Conference League qualifying with a comfortable 2-0 win on Thursday – but need to get their title-chasing head back on against struggling Lahti.
Their two big players turned up and contributed vital goals, a stunning free kick from Janis Ikaunieks and a penalty from Tim Vayrynen giving them breathing room ahead of a trip to Georgia for the second leg. It’s likely that at least a couple of the squad will be left out of the starting line-up for this game, the income from Euro progress is vital and KuPS *should* have enough quality to keep Lahti at bay. New signing Filip Valencic isn’t available yet but will be for the second leg.
Lahti defender Alan Henrique serves the second of a four game ban and will be sorely missed against an effervescent KuPS side. Despite winning their first match under new coach Mikko Mannila, the side face the toughest test this weekend. Veteran forward Mac Kandji is in decent goalscoring form and will give the tough KuPS defenders a challenge, but chances will be at a premium. Big loan signing Albion Ademi hasn’t worked out on his return to Finland but is likely to keep his place in the side.
This is unlikely to be a high scoring game but KuPS should dominate possession and chances, so corners likely to be key again. Shots from outside the box are a key attacking strategy, especially if Ikaunieks starts.
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Prediction: KuPS to Win, 1.33 on Betfair (⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️)
SJK v Honka
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Sunday 10th July – 2:00PM KO
SJK’s dreadful season continued with an insipid display away to Flora in Tallinn, losing 1-0 and giving away three yellow cards in the first half. They return to the league with another challenge – they’ve only won once against a team currently above them in the table. Form has been shoddy and the defence is incredibly shaky, they have only kept one clean sheet at home and will be tested against Honka. New signing Bradley Diallo is ineligible and will have to wait to make his debut. Midfielder Alfie Bates is suspended for totting up yellow cards and an ageing Mehmet Hetemaj is struggling to keep up. Scoring has also been a problem and veteran Denys Olijnyk did not feature against Flora, he will be vital if selected.
Honka meanwhile continue their title race, despite almost losing last week as inexperience almost allowed IFK Mariehamn a shock win. Agon Sadiku continued his fine form with an opportunistic early goal, but a severe lapse in concentration allowed an equaliser, while only a fine save kept out a winner. Against SJK, the verve of their attack should find plenty of chances to thrive and they will get a lot of opportunities.
With HJK not playing this weekend, Honka could go second with over half of the main season gone, something very few people anticipated. They will have to keep their nerve but I fancy the visitors to get a result here.
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Prediction: Honka Draw no Bet, 1.53 on Betfair (⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️)
Written by an Andy verified content writer
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