Against All Odds: KuPS to frustrate HJK

Let's Finnish the weekend with a winner

The World Cup may be taking a breather but there's still plenty of action across the globe and Paul Robinson's destination is Finland as he thinks HJK Helsinki should be opposed at odds-on for their trip to KuPS.

KuPS v HJK Helsinki
Sunday July 06, 16:30 BST
Available on Betfair Live Video  

KuPS come into this match sitting fourth in the Veikkausliiga after picking up 25 points from 17 fixtures. The top three qualify for Europe so they can't afford to drop too many points if they want to hold on to the coattails of the clubs above them.

The Yellow-Blacks face a tough task this afternoon as they are facing the league leaders, but it's just one defeat in eight now for Marko Rajamki's side - four wins - and they will take heart from the fact that they drew 0-0 in this fixture last term.

HJK Helsinki are the defending champions of Finland and they already look certain to win their sixth consecutive title. A dozen wins and four draws from 18 fixtures has them 10 points clear at the top, and while SJK behind them have two games in hand, it's difficult to imagine them closing the gap significantly. 

Mika Lehkosuo's men haven't lost any of their last 14 games in all competitions but they did draw with Lahti on Wednesday and at Honka a fortnight prior to that. They are the deserved favourites, but a draw wouldn't be a bad result for them and their attentions will be beginning to turn towards their European campaign.

The hosts will be a tough nut to crack on home soil given the form that they're in. That's why, with HJK trading at around the 1.768/11 mark, I have to make them my lay of the day.  

Recommended Bet
Lay HJK Helsinki v KuPS @ 1.768/11 

2014 P/L (1pt each bet)

Wagered: 178 pts
Returned: 189.30 pts
P/L: + 11.63 pts (after commission)
(2013 P/L: + 3.80 pts)
(2012 P/L: + 9.60 pts)