It's all to play for in the HJK versus Fenerbache matchup as both sides go head-to-head once again for a place in the Europa League playoffs this Thursday. Read on for our expert tips and prediction.
On the 62nd-minute mark, Mesut Ozil left the pitch to be replaced by Muhammed Gumuskaya. Just three minutes later, the 20-year old midfielder rifled the ball into the net from outside the box in what proved to be the decider as Fenerbache picked up a 1-0 first-leg victory.
Highly-anticipated matchup on the cards
HJK had their Champions League dashed by Malmo in the second qualifying round, however, they got rid of Neftchi Baku in the UEL third qualifying round with the aid of a brilliant second leg performance as they won 5-2 on aggregate. They would need a similar second leg performance if they're to secure themselves a place in the UEFA Europa League group stage. Last time out, David Browne scored the only goal of the game as they ran out 1-0 winners against FC Lahti in the Finnish Veikkausliiga. It is to be noted that the defending Finnish Champions haven't lost a competitive game at home since October 2019- a run that has spanned across 31 matches. How would this home record affect Thursday's result?
Fenerbache's staunch defence was for all to see last Thursday as Viktor Pereira's troops limited their opponents to zero shots on target. Although this would be only their second competitive game of the season, they were far from rusty last Thursday. The Turks followed that up with their second league victory in as many matches as they beat Antalyaspor 2-0 at the Şükrü Saracoğlu Stadium. With two wins and two clean sheets on either side of Thursday's first-leg victory, they would fancy their chances of booking themselves a place in the Europa League group stage.
HJK vs Fenerbache Team News
HJK Helsinki possible starting lineup:
Tannander; Saksela, Moren, O'Shaughnessy, Murillo; Sparv, Jair; Riku Riski, Valencic, Browne; Riski
Fenerbahce possible starting lineup:
Bayindir; Tisserand, Aziz, Szalai; Sangare, Gustavo, Sosa, Kadioglu; Osayi-Samuel, Zajc, Ozil
HJK vs Fenerbache Prediction: 0-1
HJK's home record would be put in the spotlight this Thursday given that they're expected to take the initiative against a defensively sound team like Fenerbache. The crowd at the Helsinki Football Stadium should wield their side to at least breach the Fenerbache defence, however, we don't see them causing a major upset with the Turks moving on to the group stage.