Malmo continues their search for a spot in the Champions League after a first leg win as they travel to HJK Helsinki. The match schedules for Tuesday at the Bolt Arena, with kickoff at 7 pm.
The Nordic neighbours come trailing behind only one goal coming into the second leg. However, Jol Dahl Tomasson’s men must remain focused to earn a tie with the Rangers in the next qualifying round.
It has been smooth sailing for Malmo since losing their first league game following Sweden’s mid-summer break. It comes ahead of a decisive leg of their second qualifying round tie this week.
The side made it safely through the first stage of the qualifiers earlier this month. It comes with a virtue of a 2-1 aggregate victory over Latvia’s Riga. The side won three consecutive domestic matches with an impressive 11-0 scoreline.
Even though Malmo remain favorites to progress, there is much competition from HJK Helsinki. Furthermore, the away goal rule holds no significance in the second qualifying round. A progression in Europe represents the next logical next for the next outfit.
On the other hand, the Finns are yet to go further than the third round of qualifying. Therefore, we expect a hard foot and nail fight this week at the Bolt Arena. The side racked up a significant goal tally in the domestic competition last week.
HJK Helsinski vs Malmo Head to Head
Both sides have one game against each other, with Malmo taking one win while Helsinki without a win. Here is a look at their previous encounters:
Home
- HJK 2-0 FC Haka
- Malmo 2-1 HJK
- AC Oulu 2-1 HJK
- FK Buducnost 0-4 HJK
- HJK 3-1 FK Buducnost
Away
- Mjallby AIF 0-2 Malmo
- Malmo 2-1 HJK
- Degerfors IF 0-5 Malmo
- Riga FC 1-1 Malmo FF
- Malmo 4-0 IK Sirius
HJK Helsinski Team News
Injury absentees at the camp include Kevin Kouassivi and Santeri Vaananen. In addition, Igor Cukovic suffered an ACL injury and will not return later this year. Finland international Daniel O’Shaughnessy will be back in action featuring in defence.
Malmo Team News
Long term injury absentee Ola Toivonen is a confirmed one ahead of the second leg encounter. A major boost is the return of Norway international Jo Inge Berget. The latter came as a substitute last week.
Prediction and Odds
We envisage a high attacking game this week, given the splash of attacking talents in both camps.
- Malmo Win
- Goals Over 2.5
- Both Teams to Score
