Analyses:
Counting for the 22nd round of the Finnish Ykkosliiga, JIPPO and FC Lahti will lock horns on September 06 at Mehtimäki TN in Joensuu, Finland. While the hosts’ hopes for qualification have been frustrated, the visitors have two valuable options: first, to collect 4 points in the remaining 15 matches and cement their current position to qualify for the sole promotion playoffs spot; second, to avoid dropping points and score more goals to beat TPS in goal difference.
Special Features:
Following a series of poor results that cost them the season, JIPPO are on a good run with 4 wins, 3 draws, and a loss in the last 8 rounds. They come to this match riding a 2-game winning streak, both with clean sheets. Returning to their home turf, the hosts hope to continue their impressive performance in their last home match, despite losing to Klubi 04 by a goal to nil. Though they only conceded more than 1 goal once in the last 10 rounds, Mikko Hallikainen may need to tighten the defense line as they face one of the deadliest attacking lines in the league.
Trailing to the first place by a 2 goal difference, after TPS failed to extend the lead on Saturday, this is not just one more league match for Gonçalo Pereira and his squad. It is a second chance for a team that impressed along the campaign and has all it takes to return to the top tier. However, they will need to focus after failing to defend a 2-0 advantage in their last round. Despite allowing an average of 1.4 goals per game in the last 5 rounds, Lahti have the 2nd best defense in the league. This defense prowess will be crucial when they travel to Joensuu, given that their only 2 losses this season were registered on the road.
Suggestion:
Given their overall performance and what’s on the line, Lahti are the favorites to come out victorious in this duel. However, the recent 3 Head-to-Head record tells a different story–2 wins for JIPPO and 1 for Lahti. And these conflicting realities suggest a tight contest and enticing odds for the 1X2 market – @2.93 for a home win, @2.32 for an away victory, and @3.41 for a tie.
Despite the hosts’ home advantage, Lahti’s capacity to break the deadlock in the opening minutes of the game makes them a real threat to the home side. Additionally, they are clinical in front of goals and defend very well. With that in mind, our recommendation for those who want to open an account made for winners is to bet on Lahti to win.