SJK vs IFK Mariehamn Prediction: The Kerho will win

Two struggling sides are set to lock horns on Saturday as 3rd placed SJK face bottom side Mariehamn. The match will be interesting as both sides hope to return to winning ways after a series of poor performances. Previews, H2H, expert tips, and odds are provided below.

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SJK enter this upcoming match in a concerning situation, as they have recently experienced a significant dip in form marked by a string of four consecutive losses. While they began the season on a positive note, their recent struggles have raised alarms, emphasizing the need for effective solutions to regain their momentum and finish the season on a high note.

In their most recent match, SJK suffered a 3-0 defeat to KuPS, a result that underscored their difficulties in finding their footing. Notably, their offensive output was limited, managing just two shots on target throughout the game. This disappointing performance has contributed to a concerning trend, with SJK having secured only three points from their last five matches. Comparing their recent results to those of their competitors, SJK find themselves in a precarious situation. Their point accumulation mirrors that of KTP, another struggling side, while even the bottom-placed team Mariehamn have managed to gather four points from their last five matches. This pattern raises the urgency for SJK to address their current challenges and turn their form around.

In the overall league standings, SJK currently occupy the 3rd position with 35 points earned from 20 games played. While they have managed to score 26 goals, their defensive stability has been compromised, conceding 21 goals in the process. Their position places them 6 points behind league leaders KuPS and 4 points ahead of Oulu, who are in 4th place.

As SJK aim to reverse their recent decline and reclaim their competitive edge, their upcoming match carries significant importance. The team's ability to address their issues and restore their winning ways will be pivotal in determining their final standing in the league.

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Mariehamn's struggles in the league continue as they find themselves anchored at the bottom of the table with 15 points from 20 games played. Their offensive output has seen them score 18 goals, while their defensive line has been breached on 29 occasions. Their current standing places them four points behind Lahti, who currently occupy the 11th position on the table.

Recent results have not been in Mariehamn's favor, as they are currently on a five-match winless streak across all competitions. In their most recent outing, which was the semi-finals of the Suomen Cup, they suffered a 1-0 loss to Honka. The decisive goal came from Eremenko, who converted a penalty in the 76th minute. This defeat followed a similar 1-0 loss to Honka in the league.

In their previous league encounter with Honka, Mariehamn conceded an early goal, with Lopez finding the net in the 13th minute. Despite being presented with a chance to level the score from the penalty spot in the 32nd minute, Kotsopoulos failed to capitalize on the opportunity. Adding to their challenges, Alvaro Ngamba, a 24-year-old Cameroonian midfielder, received a second yellow card in the 56th minute of the match, resulting in his suspension for the upcoming fixture.

Mariehamn's current form and league position underscore the importance of their upcoming match. As they aim to climb out of the relegation zone and improve their fortunes, addressing their defensive vulnerabilities and finding ways to convert their chances into goals will be crucial. The absence of Ngamba due to suspension further compounds their challenges.

Analyzing their recent head-to-head encounters dating back to October 2020 reveals that SJK have emerged victorious in five of these matches, while IFK Mariehamn secured a single win. Notably, there have been no draws between these teams during this period. A total of 14 goals have been scored in their meetings, with SJK contributing 10 goals and IFK Mariehamn netting 4. On average, these matches have produced 2.33 goals per game.

In their most recent league fixture, which took place on June 11, 2023, during Veikkausliiga match day 12, SJK emerged victorious with a scoreline of IFK Mariehamn 0-2 SJK.

Although the home side are struggling at the moment, yet their attacking prowess will outshine IFK Mariehamn's defensive capabilities, potentially leading to a match where SJK dominates in terms of goal-scoring opportunities. SJK will have a relatively strong offensive performance and are likely to score multiple goals when they face IFK Mariehamn. On the other hand, IFK Mariehamn will struggle to find the back of the net and may have difficulty scoring a goal in the match.

• W1 for 1.60 odds
• Under 2.5 for 1.90 odds
• BTTS-NO for 1.80 odds