HJK vs Ilves Prediction: Can this be a title decider?

HJK and Ilves will continue their first for the title when they meet at the Bolt Arena on Saturday. Ilves have never won against the hosts at this venue in their history. Can they get the first? Below are previews, H2H, expert betting tips, and odds.

WWWDD

HJK were held to a 1-1 draw in their last game against VPS. Lee Erwin opened the scoring in the 33rd minute of the match before Samuel Lindeman equalised for VPS in the 72nd minute. The draw followed their 2-2 draw against SJK in their first game of the Championship Group. They remain unbeaten in their last seven games. They are unbeaten in their previous 11 home games. They sit third on the table with 45 points in 24 games, scoring 44 goals and conceding 24. They are just 2 points behind KuPS at the top of the table with three games left this season.

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Ilves recorded a 1-0 win over league leaders KuPS in their last game. Oiva Jukkola got the only goal of the game in the 37th minute. They remain unbeaten in their last four games, winning three and drawing 1. However, they are winless in their last three away games. They sit second on the table with 45 points in 24 games, scoring 49 goals and conceding 27. They are just 2 points behind KuPS at the top of the table with three games left this season.

Both sides have met 24 times since 2017. HJK won 16, Ilves won 2, and 6 ended in draws. The last game between the two sides ended 3-0 in favour of Ilves. However, HJK are unbeaten against Ilves at this venue, totalling over 13 games.

As the season's end draws near, both sides remain in the title debate, and the result of this clash will greatly impact the league winner. With this, I expect both sides to come out in full force. However, the historic domination of the hosts at this venue may help them avoid a loss.

• BTTS for 1.60 odds
• Over 2.5 for 1.65 odds
• HJK Draw No Bet for 1.70 odds