HIFK and HJK Helsinki will meet on Thursday night in the latest edition of the Helsinki Derby. The two local rivals are separated by seven points in the Veikkausliiga table.
An HJK win on Thursday night would draw them level with league leaders Ilves. HJK are unbeaten in their last two league matches posting four points from six possible. Manager Toni Koskela watched his side draw with KuPS, 1-1, last time out.
HJK will be the designated away team but the two clubs share the Telia 5G-areena. It will feel like a home match despite being the visitors on the scoreboard.
HIFK are eighth in the Veikkausliiga after 12 matches. The Reds won promotion to the top flight last season and have so far looked impressive in their performances. HIFK are undefeated in their last six league games with four of those games ending in draws.
Their last match against FC Lahti finished nil-nil. Manager Tor Thodesen will aim to get a big win against HIFK’s city rival and improve their chances of a top half of the table finish.
Only one of HIFK’s last six matches finished with over 2.5 goals scored. Goal scoring has been an issue for Thodesen’s team. The good news for the manager has been the team’s defence. HIFK have conceded just nine times in 12 matches this term.
HJK’s defence hasn’t been quite as good. The Klubi have conceded 16 goals while scoring 16 of their own. They are unbeaten in four of their last six matches with two of those games ending in over 2.5 goals scored.
The two Helsinki rivals have already played twice this season in league and cup matches. HJK picked up a 1-0 win in the cup before drawing 1-1 with HIFK in league play.
HIFK have not defeated their city rival in their last six games in all competitions. Two of their six matches ended in draws. Only one of those six matches between HIFK and HJK finished with over 2.5 goals scored.
Goals will be at a premium at the Telia 5G-areena on Thursday in Helsinki. Neither side has been very impressive in front of goal. HIFK average 1.14 goals scored per game at home. HJK average 1.38 goals scored per game at home.
These two teams share a stadium, so it is basically a home fixture for both. With goals short in supply, Thursday’s match is destined for a score draw with under 2.5 goals going into the back of the nets in Helsinki.