HJK Helsinki vs BATE Borisov Predictions, Betting Tips and Match Previews

This Champions League tie is balanced on a knife edge after the first leg meeting in Belarus. The pair drew 0-0 in their first encounter, and now they are aiming for a decisive blow when they clash on Wednesday night. With a spot in the third qualifying round up for grabs, there are huge stakes for these two champions. They are both looking to pair domestic success with a strong run in Europe’s top tournament, but which of them will progress this week?

BATE certainly have the edge in terms of recent experience, as they’ve become a staple in European football following their domestic domination. They have taken the next step by impressing on the continent, and that is something they’ll want to continue this week. The visitors are all but guaranteed the title, with a healthy seven point lead built up at the top, but they’ll want to build on that by continuing their run in Europe this summer.

HJK are in a similar position, having moved 10 points clear in Finland’s Veikkausliiga. They too see Europe as their best way to move forward, but getting through the qualifiers is tricky. Just four champions will make it through to the group stage from the final qualifier, and HJK need to win two ties before they can even reach that final qualifying clash. It’s going to be a tough summer to make it all the way, but this does seem like a golden opportunity for the hosts to progress in Europe.

HJK host a BATE side who have been awful in Europe on their travels. While they’ve managed to make an impact in recent years, that has come from strong home form. With one away victory in 19 Champions League matches on the road, the visitors can hardly be confident coming in to this trip. Those defeats weren’t all against the biggest and best that Europe has to offer, with BATE losing at Slavia Prague and Dundalk in the last two summers. Will this be yet another set back on the road for the Belarusian champions?

The hosts can boast a more solid European record. Following their draw with BATE, they’ve now lost two of 11 Champions League games. At home they’re unbeaten in six in this competition, losing on just three occasions in the last 15 years. They should do enough to hold off BATE, and after terrific run at home in the league, we can see the hosts claiming a victory. We’re going for HJK to win on the Draw No Bet market, as we can’t see why these two would be priced side by side in the match betting. When you compare the form, the hosts look like excellent value.