HJK Helsinki vs Aberdeen predictions: Dons can gain first Conference win
- HJK Helsinki have lost their last four games
- Both teams have scored in eight of Aberdeen’s last 11 away matches
- Recommended bet: Aberdeen to win @ 9/5
Aberdeen and HJK Helsinki are unable to qualify for the knockout stages of the Europa Conference League, but the Dons will not fear a trip to Finland after running Rangers close at the weekend.
They have also been unlucky not to gain more than just two points from their four group games and will be looking to catch HJK cold as they have finished their domestic season and have not played since losing to Eintracht Frankfurt three weeks ago.
Team news
HJK Helsinki have been without a game for the last three weeks since they lost 1-0 to Eintracht Frankfurt in their last Europa Conference League clash, so there have been no reports of fresh injuries.
However, with little on the line for the Finns, who have claimed just one point in the competition this season, it would not be a surprise if manager Tony Korkeakunnas decided to shuffle the pack.
Shayden Morris is likely to be missing for the Dons, but otherwise Barry Robson has no fresh injury concerns or suspensions.
The stats
HJK Helsinki have lost their last four matches
The Finns have kept just three clean sheets in their last 19 outings
Both teams have scored in eight of Aberdeen’s last 11 away matches
Aberdeen have scored more than once in seven of their 12 away games this season
Eight of the Dons’ last 11 road matches have featured at least three goals
Prediction
Aberdeen will be disappointed not to still be challenging for a top-two spot in Group G having been competitive in their two away games against Eintracht Frankfurt and PAOK, and they can prove their worth by gaining a win in Helsinki.
The fact HJK have completed their season and have not played for three weeks probably does not help the Finns, but there have been enough signs of life from the Dons lately to suggest they can gain their first win in their group.
Rangers needed an injury-time penalty equaliser to gain a point at Pittodrie on Sunday and while Barry Robson’s side lost 6-0 at Celtic before the international break, they did win at Motherwell shortly before that and also boosted their confidence by booking a place in the League Cup final.
HJK have already lost both of their home matches in the group - their only point came from a 1-1 draw in Scotland - and it would be understandable if there was a bit of an end-of-term environment in their camp.
Aberdeen meanwhile, played well to gain a 2-2 draw at PAOK and a performance of a similar standard might be enough to give them their first group-stage victory at the fifth attempt.
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