HJK – Ludogorets : Preview & Prediction
It is a clash of champions in UEFA Europa League (UEL) Group C as reigning Finnish champions HJK host Bulgarian counterparts Ludogorets. Facing tougher opponents in the UEL than in Finland, HJK have yet to earn their first point in the group after conceding five goals and failing to score in their first two games, although the fact that they are potentially just one win away from securing a 32nd Finnish title could inspire confidence.
This is only HJK’s second meeting against Bulgarian opposition, and they will be hoping they can repeat their 1-0 win against Beroe Stara Zagora in the 2016/17 UEL qualifiers to stay in contention for a ticket to European spring football at this stage of the group stage. HJK could feel a triumph is coming as their three group appearances in UEFA competition history saw them win at least once, although that does not guarantee success as they ended up being eliminated at this stage on each occasion.
No European club currently boasts a longer run of domestic titles than Ludogorets (11), although two consecutive winless games in the Parva Liga (E1, P1) suggests that a twelfth is not guaranteed. This is the Eagles’ sixth consecutive campaign in the UEL group stage and they have started relatively well, ending a club-record run of 18 consecutive winless UEL matches with a 2-1 win over Roma, although they proved unpredictable with a 3-2 loss to Real Betis the following matchday.
There are no fixtures in their history against Finnish opposition to serve as a benchmark, but a win in this fixture could seal their ticket to European football in the spring as Ludogorets have only qualified from UEL groups in their last five seasons when winning away. With a tricky trip to Roma awaiting them, it could be now or never for the Razgrad side if they can get that win away from home.
Players to watch: HJK striker David Browne has scored two goals and been cautioned just as many times in his six appearances in European competitions this season. He will be looking to beat Ludogorets goalkeeper Sergio Padt, who was his team-mate at Groningen between 2016-2018, and who records just two clean sheets in his last eight appearances.
Weekend stat: Ludogorets’ last eight away games in European competition averaged 3.75 total goals per game, with six of those games seeing both sides score.
HJK – Ludogorets : Betting Tips
OVER 2.5 GOALS Odds: 2.25
