HJK vs Mariehamn Prediction: Can Mariehamn continue their unbeaten run?

HJK and Mariehamn will settle scores at the Bolt Arena on Saturday in round 3 of the Finland Veikkausliiga. Mariehamn are unbeaten this season, but HJK have won each of the last five games between the two sides at this venue. Below are previews, H2H, expert betting tips, and odds.

Defending champions, HJK returned to winning ways in their last game, winning 4-0 against Lahti. They had previously lost 3-1 to KuPS in their first game of the season. In the match against Lahti, despite HJK sharing 50% possession with their opponents, they managed to fire 23 shots, of which eight were on target. Topi Keskinen got a first-half brace (20th and 44th-minute goals) in the game to put HJK 2 up in the first half before Lucas Lingman added the third goal of the afternoon in the 57th minute from the penalty spot. Hassane Bande put the final nail in the coffin in the 69th minute of the game. With the win, HJK are unbeaten in their last four home games, where they saw three wins and drew 1.

Mariehamn enter this clash having remained unbeaten this season. They started the season with a 3-2 win over Ekenas and got a vital 2-2 draw against KuPS. In the game against KuPS, Mariehamn were put ahead in the 43rd minute of the match when Muhamed Olawale scored. Still, the joy was short-lived as KuPS got an equalizer in the 45+1 minute of the game when Otto Ruoppi scored. Larsson Adam restored the lead for his side in the 47th minute from the penalty spot. Still, all hope of a 3-point was dashed when they conceded a 90+2nd minute goal when Axel Vidjeskog scored from the penalty spot. Mariehamn have since moved on from the draw as they got a 5-0 win over RiPS in a cup game in the midweek. Mariehamn are 3rd on the table now with 4 points in 2 games.

Both Mariehamn and HJK have played 21 times since 2018. HJK have won 16 times, Mariehamn have won twice, and there have been three draws. The last game between the two sides ended in a 1-0 win for HJK. Also, HJK have won the previous five games between the two sides at this venue.

Mariehamn have shown a solid start to the season, as they remain one of the clubs in the league without a loss this season. They have played three domestic games and have remained unbeaten. However, HJK, being the defending champions, is undoubtedly one of the best teams in the league this season. They have an excellent record playing against Mariehamn, winning 16 of their last 21 meetings. With this, I expect a beautiful football from both sides, and the Mariehamn can suffer a minimal loss if they end up not picking a point.

• Over 2.5 for 1.60 odds
• BTTS for 1.90 odds
• Handicap: Mariehamn +2 for 1.80 odds