Malmo and HJK Helsinki get down to business in the main leg of their UEFA Champions League second round qualifier. The two groups are establishing the rhythm in their homegrown alliances yet Malmo ought to have the high ground given their great home structure.
Malmo defeated Latvian side Riga 2-1 on total to get their spot in the second round of the opposition. Subsequent to asserting a 1-0 home triumph in the main leg, they waited for a 1-1 attract the subsequent apparatus.
The Swedes are as of now a ways into their homegrown mission and right now four focuses clear at the highest point of the Allsvenskan. They have won three of their last four matches and head into Wednesday’s conflict off the rear of a 5-0 triumph over Degerfors with Antonio Colak and Veljko Birmancevic among the objectives.
Director Jon Dahl Tomasson’s men have won four of their last five home matches. They likewise will in general keep things tight in protection at whatever point they play at home with four clean sheets in their last five apparatuses.
Helsinki did the twofold over Buducnost to advance to the second round of the opposition. They won 3-1 at home prior to guaranteeing a 4-1 triumph in Montenegro with Filip Valencic and Roope Riski scoring both matches.
Toni Koskela’s men are likewise establishing the rhythm in the Finnish class as they sit six focuses clear at the highest point of the table. Notwithstanding, they are falling off their first loss of the period in the wake of losing 2-1 to Oulu, who are presently second from base in Finland.
Helsinki don’t have the best record in the Champions League and have neglected to make it past the second round in their last two appearances. They have a poor away record with the success over Buducnost their first triumph in four away apparatuses in the opposition.
How the bookies view it
Malmo have been installed as overwhelming favourites by the bookies with a home win valued at 4/9. Helsinki are priced at 17/2 by Vbet for an unlikely win while a draw is set at odds of 67/20.
Malmo have a fine record at home and I am backing them to claim the win.
Head to head
The only previous meeting between both teams was a 4-0 victory for Malmo in a friendly back in 2016.
Players to watch
Antonio Colak has been in good form this season with the striker scoring six goals in his last five matches. Midfielder Veljko Birmancevic netted twice against Degerfors and both men can combine to produce over 1.5 goals for Malmo at 13/19 with Red Zone.
Malmo have a fine defensive record at home with four clean sheets from their last five matches at Eleda Stadion. Centre-backs Franz Brorsson and Anel Ahmedhodzic have been at the heart of that run and will be hoping for a repeat at 20/21 with Sporting Index.
Anything else catch the eye?
Malmo’s defensive record at home means a win to nil could be on the cards at 5/4 with Sporting Index. The Swedes could also be backed in the -1 handicap market at 7/5 with Red Zone.
Malmo are likely to score in both halves at 6/4 with William Hill while a half time win for the hosts could also be considered at evens with Sport Nation.
This UEFA Champions League match between Malmo FF and HJK Helsinki will be played on Jul 21, 2021 and kick off at 18:00. Check below for our tipsters best Malmo FF vs HJK Helsinki prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
Malmo FF vs HJK Helsinki
Over 2.5 Goals