HJK v CRVENA ZVEZDA
Champions League
Wednesday 31st July 2019
Kickoff: 1700hrs
Pick: Crvena Zvezda AH-0.25
Bookmaker: Unibet
Odds: 1.56 (odds taken at 07:57 GMT, 30 July 2019)
 |
1 | X | 2 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4.48 | 3.74 | 1.77 |
* (Betting Odds were taken from 22Bet on July 30, 2019 at 07:57)
The 2nd legs of the 2nd qualifying round of the Champions League continue on Wednesday evening and our next preview features a clash between Finnish side, HJK, and Serbian outfit, Crvena Zvezda, as the betting tips continue at the Telia 5G -areena.
HJK Prediction – Can HJK turn the tables in 2nd leg?
Although HJK have suffered just 1 defeat out of their last 8 matches in all competitions, it was nevertheless a significant loss.
A 2-0 defeat away in Serbia in last week’s 1st leg tie against Crvena Zvezda have put the hosts on the back foot ahead of this decisive leg in Finland.
The hosts now need to press forward and take risks on home turf at their Telia 5G -areena in order to try and reduce this 2-goal deficit.
Ordinarily, this may not be a huge task for HJK who have lost just 1 of their last 13 matches on home soil, but they’re up against a seasoned European outfit in the shape of Red Star Belgrade.
Results at home in the Champions League have been encouraging in the past as they’ve gained recent wins over Ventspils, Vikingur and HB in the past 4 seasons.
Just 2 defeats out of their last 10 home ties in the Champions League speaks for itself, but they now need to go on the attack from the outset here.
The hosts will be hoping that goalscoring midfielders, Riski (4 goals) and Mensah (3 goals) can provide the spark for a memorable comeback for HJK.
Crvena Zvezda Prediction – Can Crvena Zvezda Finnish the job?
Pardon the above pun, but Crvena Zvezda are now handily placed ahead of this decisive leg in Finland to progress to the 3rd qualifying round of the Champions League.
The visitors (formerly known as Red Star Belgrade), bring an impressive 5-match winning streak into this important clash against HJK.
It’s worth noting that these previous 5 wins were all achieved on home turf at their Stadion Rajko Mitić, but momentum is definitely on their side.
In each of these 5 wins, Crvena Zvezda have scored 2 goals, and with the likes of forward trio, Ben Nabouhane, Boakye and Pavkov, they’ll be hard to keep at bay again in this return leg.
Results away from home have also been impressive for the visitors who have lost just 2 of their last 18 matches on their travels in all competitions.
Although they didn’t enjoy the best of times in last season’s group stage, it was no shame to lose on the road to clubs of the stature of PSG, Liverpool and Napoli.
Just 3 defeats from their last 10 away ties in the Champions League isn’t a bad record though, and they should at least avoid defeat here, if not nick another win.
Key-Facts – HJK v Crvena Zvezda
- HJK have lost just 1 of their last 13 matches at home in all competitions
- Crvena Zvezda have won their last 5 matches on the trot
- Crvena Zvezda have lost just 3 of their last 10 away ties in the Champions League
Betting Tips Verdict
HJK need to take risks here while Crvena Zvezda have the pedigree and quality to gain another win in this 2nd leg.
