HJK vs Maribor Prediction & Tips
HJK and Maribor play at Bolt Arena in a Europa League 2nd leg match (3rd Qualifying Round), after HJK’s away win by (0-2) in the first leg match. In this match the home factor could play a decisive role, as Maribor have been showing differences in performance in their home and away games.
After the away win (0-2), the home team comes into this 2nd leg with a 2 goal advantage. This is a team that keeps the performance when playing away, as in the last 30 games they register 7 wins, 5 draws and 3 losses as visitor; against 9 wins, 2 draws and 4 losses in their home stadium. The team comes into this encounter after an away draw with Oulu by (1-1). HJK won 6, drew 1 and lost 3 of their last 10 matches played at home for all competitions. The team has allowed goals to its opponent in 7 of its last 10 games, so its defence needs to improve, but its attack has scored regularly, as it has managed to score in 9 of its last 10 games. In 15 games, it has conceded the first goal 6 times and has only managed 1 turnaround in the scoreboard.
HJK come into this clash after a 1-1 away draw on their visit to the Oulu ground. The home side opt to play in a traditional 4-3-3, where the three most advanced players are: David Browne, Bojan Radulovic and Casper Terho. Playing at home, it is expected that HJK will adopt a more offensive posture, aiming to score the first goal of the match. Atomu Tanaka, Santeri Vaananen and Johannes Yli-Kokko are likely to play in the centre of the field, with the latter responsible for leading his team’s forays. Coach Toni Koskela will be without Roope Riski, Manuel Martic and Valtteri Moren as they are currently on medical duty.
After the defeat at home, the away team arrives in this 2nd leg with a 2 goal disadvantage and with the difficult task of reversing this result away from home. This is a team that curiously has been stronger away than at home, as in the last 30 games they register 9 wins, 1 draw and 5 defeats as visitor; against 4 wins, 7 draws and 4 defeats in their home stadium. In the last game it played, for the 1. SNL, it lost with Olimpija at home by (0-2). In the last 10 away games Maribor won 6, drew 1 and lost 3. The team allowed goals to the opponent in 7 of the last 10 games, so there are defensive processes that need to be improved.
Maribor enter this match demotivated after a 0-2 home defeat against Olimpija. Maribor seems to be going through a worse moment, as they lost their last four matches. Contrary to the “enemy” of this match, the visiting team should play in a 4-4-2 tactical system, in order to take advantage of the counter attacks. In any case, it is guessed that Maribor will adopt a more defensive strategy, as they have a slightly inferior squad. Coach Radovan Karanovic will not be able to count on Aleks Pihler, Martin Milec and Azbe Jug as they are currently recovering from injury.
HJK – Maribor FREE TIPS
HJK – Win @ 1.85
