We have 5 fixtures to look forward to in the Finland Veikkausliiga this weekend including the meeting between FC Ilves and AC Oulu.
The game will take place at the Tammelan Stadion and the hosts begin the weekend in 5th place on 18 points with the visitors in 6th place on the same number of points.
AC Oulun tiedote koskien eilistä ottelua luettavissa nettisivuilla.Lue lisää:https://t.co/nIrH7vzZCs#ACOulu#Oulu#Laivastonsiniset#Veikkausliiga#PohjoistaVoimaa pic.twitter.com/nQGTbcKkUu— AC Oulu (@ACOulu) July 3, 2022
AC Oulun tiedote koskien eilistä ottelua luettavissa nettisivuilla.Lue lisää:https://t.co/nIrH7vzZCs#ACOulu#Oulu#Laivastonsiniset#Veikkausliiga#PohjoistaVoimaa pic.twitter.com/nQGTbcKkUu
FC Ilves come into the match having previously beat HIFK 1-0 away from home in the Veikkausliiga. The only goal of the game was scored in the 2nd minute and HIFK were reduced to 10 men in the closing stages of the match.
That result means FC Ilves are undefeated in 5 of their 6 most recent fixtures, all of which have come in the Veikkausliiga.
There have been wins over Lahti and Mariehamn at home plus draws against Honka and Inter Turku away. The only loss in their last 6 matches came at home against HIFK and it was a 1-0 defeat.
Trends show FC Ilves have been difficult to beat at home of late and they have won 4 of their last 5 league games at the Tammelan Stadion.
However, conceding goals continues to be a problem for FC Ilves when playing at home and they kept just a single clean sheet in their last 8 home matches. Both teams have scored in 4 of FC Ilves’ last 6 Veikkausliiga games on home soil.
AC Oulu make the trip to the Tammelan Stadion on the back of a hugely disappointing 6-0 home defeat at the hands of VPS. AC Oulu were 2-0 down when they were reduced to 10 men and were carved open by the opposition 4 times in the remaining 42 minutes.
That result means AC Oulu have recorded just a single victory from their 4 most recent fixtures in all competitions. There has been a defeat at KuPS in the Veikkausliiga and a 2-1 loss at JäPS in the Suomen Cup. The only victory came away from home in the league and it was a good 1-0 win at HJK.
Trends show AC Oulu have won just 2 of their last 13 away matches in Veikkausliiga. However, they have scored at least 1 goal in each of their last 8 away league games, so are clearly a threat in attack.
Team news and FC Ilves can call upon experienced midfielder Petteri Pennanen, who has 5 league goals to his name this season. Kai Meriluoto is likely to start in attack.
AC Oulu have the joint second highest scoring player in the league in Michael López and the Argentine should start up-front. Irishman Callum Ward is expected to play in goal.
AC Oulu have what it takes to score in this game and we expect to see both teams find the back of the net. However, AC Oulu do not have a good away record and this is a match FC Ilves should win to maintain their place in the top six.