HJK Helsinki vs Qarabag Prediction: the Visitors to Hold the Advantage?

Prediction for the Europa League match between HJK Helsinki vs Qarabag, which will take place on August 17th. Check the team conditions and choose several betting options!

The Finns began their European Cup campaign with Champions League qualifying matches, where they beat Larne from Northern Ireland and lost to Molde from Norway. Now the team from Helsinki is trying to qualify for the group stage of the Europa League for the second season. In the first match against Qarabag, HJK conceded early in the second half but scored an essential goal in the 77th minute. Anthony Olusanya shot as well. Although the Finns conceded again in the end, a one-goal defeat is not the worst possible result before the return match at home.

HJK is second in the Finnish Championship standings, just one point behind the leaders. Toni Korkeakunnas' side has lost just two of their 19 league games.

Azerbaijan's multiple champions began their Champions League qualifying campaign with a win over Lincoln Red Imps, but they failed to overcome Rakow. Qarabag could have stumbled at home to HJK, but Gurban Gurbanov's side were saved by Brazilian striker Juninho, who scored the winner just minutes before the final whistle. 2:1 - now Qarabag will have to settle for a draw in Finland.

In the new season of the Azerbaijan championship, Qarabag gained three points, losing away to Zirə (0-1) and beating Turan at home (3:0).

Last season the Finns faced Roma, Betis, and Ludogorets in the Europa League group. They proved to be a well-trained squad capable of giving even the strongest European mid-standings teams a struggle. Therefore, we believe the odds for HJK in the return match with Qarabag are overrated. Besides, the team from Helsinki came close to not losing in the away game as they conceded a goal at the very end. We are betting on the hosts rather than on the most productive match, considering the defensive style of HJK.