Ilves vs HJK Prediction: Can Ipa throw a surprise?

Ilves and HJK will lock horns at the Ratinan Stadion on Saturday as actions continue in the Finland Veikkausliiga. Ilves have seen just one win over HJK in their last 19 attempts. Can they make it two? Below are previews, head-to-head statistics, expert betting tips, and odds.

LDWDD

Ilves were held to a 2-2 draw in their last outing against Lahti. Luke Ivanovic opened the scoring for Lahti just 3 minutes into the game before Maksim Stjopin drew Ilves level in the 14th minute. Anton Popovitch gave Ilves the lead in the 31st minute before Michael Lopez ensured a share of points in the 83rd minute. The result is the second successive 2-2 draw Ilves have played. They had earlier played a 2-2 draw against SJK before their last game. With these results, they are unbeaten in 4 of their last five games. Their attack has been exceptional, scoring in each of their previous 12 games. They sit 5th on the table with 23 points in 14 games, scoring 27 and conceding 17.

LWWWW

HJK recorded a 2-1 win over Mariehamn in their last game. Topi Keskinen opened the scoring in the 6th minute before Adam Larsson equalized in the 28th minute. However, Aapo Halme scored the decisive goal of the game in the 64th minute. With the win, HJK bounced back to winning ways after being dumped out of the Suomen Cup by Ekenas. However, in the league, they have won their last four games. They sit 1st on the table with 28 points in 15 games, scoring 28 goals and conceding 15.

From 2018 to date, Ilves and HJK have met 19 times. Ilves won 1, HJK won 13, and 5 games ended in draws. Their most recent clash ended in a 1-1 draw. The last three games between the two sides have seen Under 2.5 goals. Also, 5 of their last six games have seen the BTTS result.

HJK sit top of the table at the movement, and that clearly shows that they are the best team in the league at the moment. Not only that, they have lost just 1 of their last 19 games against Ilves winning 13. With this, they have no issue getting a win here. Additionally, Ilves' attack has been exceptional, scoring in each of their previous 12 games. So both sides should find the net.

• Over 2.5 for 1.75 odds
• BTTS for 1.62 odds
• W2 for 2.70 odds