HJK welcome KuPS to Bolt Arena for an exciting Veikkausliiga derby on Saturday evening with ki8ckoff at 17:00 EAT.
The two are at the top of the Veikkausliiga following a strong campaign so far, with KuPS leading on 29 points from 12 games, three points above HJK in second place, although HJK have played one match more.
Both have not been at their best lately with HJK failing to win in their last three league matches picking up a draw and back-to-back defeat including the 2-1 loss at Mariehamn last time out, while KuPS had failed to two league matches consecutively before bouncing back last time out against Oulu at home.
Now HJK will be looking to bounce back to winning ways as they look reducing the gap between themselves and the summit to a goal-difference, while KuPS will be looking to make back-to-back wins on the bounce as they seek to extend and widen their lead in the Veikkausliiga.
KuPS are the favorites to claim all three points on Saturday, although they will need to be at the top of their game as they have a poor head to head record against their hosts and the two have drawn in each of their last three league matches.
HJK vs KuPS head to head
Both sides have met in 63 encounters since 1994 with HJK winning 37 times, there have been 16 draws while KuPS have won 10 times.
- KuPS 0-0 HJK 29/05/22
- KuPS 1-1 HJK 31/10/21
- HJK 1-1 KuPS 29/08/21
- HJK 4-5 KuPS 08/05/21 (AP)
- KuPS 0-0 HJK 02/05/21
Home
- Mariehamn 2-1 HJK
- HJK 0-1 Oulu
- VPS 1-2 HJK (AP)
- KuPS 0-0 HJK
- Klubi 04 0-4 HJK
Away
- KuPS 2-1 Oulu
- Honka 2-0 KuPS
- Mikkelin 0-1 KuPS
- KuPS 0-0 HJK
- KuPS 5-1 Ekenas
HJK team news
HJK will be without Riku Riski, Miska Ylitolva, Valtteri Moren and Roope Riski due to injuries.
KuPS team news
KuPS have no fresh injury concerns ahead of the Saturday clash.
Prediction and odds
- Draw
- Both sides to score
- Goals under 2.5
