Aberdeen vs HJK Helsinki Predictions

• Aberdeen are in confident mood after winning 3-1 at Rangers last weekend
• HJK have lost their last three away European games, conceding two goals each time
• Jamie McGrath has scored two goals in his last three games in an advanced midfield role

Dons should deliver on back of Rangers result

Aberdeen have the form and confidence to beat HJK on Thursday, although they may lack the European experience to earn the three points without a scare along the way.

The Dons doomed ex-Rangers boss Michael Beale to the sack with a thrilling 3-1 win at Ibrox last weekend, but they will be under more pressure here.

A brave but unsuccessful 2-1 defeat to Eintracht Frankfurt last month means Barry Robson’s side need to beat HJK, who lost at home to PAOK a fortnight ago.

Functional Finns can make things difficult

The Finns are a functional team that dominate their domestic scene but struggle in European competitions. They took only one point from a tough Europa League group last season and suffered 3-0, 2-0 and 3-0 defeats on their travels.

The pattern has been much the same when they have gone away this season with a 2-0 loss at Molde in the Champions League qualifiers followed by 2-1 defeats at Qarabag and Farul Constanta.

They are a much more experienced side at this level than Aberdeen, which could work for them if things remain tight in the second half, but the more likely outcome is that the hosts squeeze out a closely-fought win.