HJK Helsinki vs Larne Predictions

• HJK have cleared their first round of Champions League qualifying in each of their last six appearances in the tournament.
• HJK have lost just two of their last 13 home Champions League games.
• Larne have only won one away European game, scoring two goals in four European trips.

Larne set for Champions League debut

Northern Irish champions Larne make their first ever Champions League appearance on Wednesday but they could face disappointment in Helsinki when they visit HJK.

The Finnish side are ranked 228 positions above Larne in the UEFA rankings and have a long history in the Champions League qualifying stages, making it past the first round in each of their last six appearances.

HJK can make experience count in Helsinki

They have won three successive Finnish Veikkausliiga titles and made it to the Europa League group stages last term, while Larne’s only previous European experience came in the early stages of Europa Conference League qualifying in 2021/22 and 2022/23, where they were eliminated by Pacos Ferreira and St Joseph’s respectively.

HJK have lost just two of their last 13 Champions League home games, including positive results against the likes of Malmo, Red Star Belgrade, Astana and APOEL. They have scored twice or more in four of their last six at home in this competition and picked up a clean sheet against Rigas at this stage last year.

With 16 league games under their belt – including four wins to nil in eight home games – they should have the experience and quality to take advantage of Larne’s rustiness after their two-month absence from competitive football. Back the home side to win to nil, along with a 2-0 correct score prediction.