Due to schedule changes this is a bit funny fixture, as the teams met last week in Vaasa where HJK won with a rather lucky late own goal by 0-1.

HJK have won both games without conceding as expected from the only title chaser, but they have had rather many injuries and even if they have a huge squad in depth and in class it does show a bit. It has been difficult for them to create good chances from open play and long attacks as basically all teams do defend low, and in Vaasa the home team had not even followed the regulations of watering the pitch to make it faster, and slowed the game pace down even more.

Today things are different, HJK are at home, they have a huge home advantage on their own artificial pitch which they know from inside out, and as VPS are about +60 % likely not to score the question is home many goals we can expect from HJK. Can they cover the handicap?

HJK scored two in their last two games at home, is that the default also today? The squad situation is unchanged at both camps, but it is HJK who have more options to fix something if they feel there is something to fix. VPS coach Nurmela's option are more limited, he can field the youngsters Hudd and Räisänen who are not good enough but do what they are told to do, it helps to keep the team balance better than with the older and more talented players like Morrissey who are getting old, but are more individual artists and do what they like.

VPS will lie again so low that there is a long way to too the attacking third and the otherwise decent striker Kalle Multanen will not get any balls.

It sounds harsh, but HJK have the best 11 players on the pitch are VPS can not match at any department. This is a match for winger Topi Keskinen to shine and score a goal or two.

3-0

I will also write a preview of the KuPS v Honka match today. Good luck!