HJK Helsinki vs KPV Kokkola Predictions

We may still be in the early stages of Finland’s Veikkausliiga, but a good start has always been an essential factor in deciding whether a team can accomplish the achievements and expectations they set for themselves at the start of the campaign. Unfortunately for HJK Helsinki, their start to the season has been less than impressive so far, but they have the opportunity to kick start their season this weekend when they welcome newly promoted KPV Kokkola to the Telia 5G -areena.

HJK Helsinki dominated last years league and ended up winning the title by 16 points, but the early signs so far this term suggests that they have it all to do if they are to become 22-time champions. The hosts go into this contest having failed to win in their previous eight outings and they are already four points from top having played a game more. A major reason for their struggles is the fact that they have struggled to keep the opposition at bay and the 13 goals they have conceded to date is only one fewer than the worst defensive record in the division.

Speaking of the worst defensive record in the division, that dubious honour belongs to this weekend’s visitors, KPV Kokkola. The recently promoted side were never going to have things easy going into the top league in the country and they have found it especially difficult on their travels as they have managed to earn just one point in three away games so far.

The hosts are the favourites going into this match and with good reason. However, they are an extremely short price for a side without a win in eight and although they really should come out on top, the value in this game is found in backing a shock. With this in mind, we think that backing KPV Kokkola to either win or draw on the double chance market represents the best opportunity for a return.