Wednesday 30/07/2014, 18:00, Champions League Qualifiers, HJK Helsinki vs Apoel Nicosia

HJK Helsinki vs Apoel Nicosia Preview

HJK Helsinki leads the domestic championship by seven points and they are in good form ahead of these Champions League Qualifiers. They will take on the team who has played in the most important European competition before, even though it's been a while since Apoel Nicosia made the group stage. The Finnish side desperately needs to win in front of its fans, because they didn't collect many points on the road in European tournaments.

HJK Helsinki vs Apoel Nicosia Odds

At Unibet

HJK Helsinki 3.40, Draw 3.30, Apoel Nicosia 2.20

HJK Helsinki vs Apoel Nicosia Tips

The hosts were on the verge of seeing their invincible run coming to a screeching halt in the last round, when Inter Turku led them for most of the games. A pair of goals scored with 20 min. left in regulation time brought them ahead, but unfortunately for them, the visitors couldn't consolidate that narrow lead.

It is obvious that some changes need to be made defensively, because allowing three goals in a single match is bad news ahead of Champions League Qualifiers. On the other hand, manager Lehkosuo has no reasons to worry about his offensive, because he has five strikers at his disposal and they have scored a combined 28 goals.

Even more impressive is the fact that four of them have scored an average of six goals, with Savage being the most prolific one. The midfield is decently strong but the key to victory tonight is to start firing on all cylinders, in an attempt of overwhelming the Cypriots.

The visitors are not to be underestimated, because they won four of the last five friendly games and clearly outplayed opponents in the last two. On the other hand, Apoel Nicosia hasn't played an official match in over two months and their coach is still experimenting with the starting formation.

Key Facts

• Apoel Nicosia is invincible in the last nine games, while HJK Helsinki hasn't lost in 20 matches
• The two teams never met before, but the Finnish side has already won two Champions League qualifiers the season.

HJK Helsinki vs Apoel Nicosia Prediction

There is plenty of value in backing the visitors at full strength, as a victory for the hosts will more than triple the investment. If you don't want to take any chances though, then you should definitely consider the HJK Helsinki draw no Bet. The odds are more than decent at 2.25 with Unibet, but they are expected to drop as kickoff draws near, so you better hurry.

Bet: HJK Helsinki draw no Bet @ 2.25 with Unibet