On July 5th, 2025, Veikkausliiga action returns to Elisa Stadion in Vaasa as VPS hosts perennial contenders HJK in a fixture with both tactical depth and significant implications for the upper half of the league table. While recent history favors the visitors, the current form of VPS marked by both big wins and narrow losses makes this a compelling match-up. Of particular interest will be how emerging talents from both sides handle a contest that often delivers both goals and drama.
Key figures to monitor are HJK’s Alexander Ring, whose blend of midfield dynamism and finishing has rendered him a constant threat, and VPS midfielder Prosper Ahiabu, notable for his ability to orchestrate play under pressure and chip in with goals. The head-to-head suggests HJK have the upper hand, but VPS’s unpredictable attack flows could destabilize even a disciplined defense.
A “hot stat” to keep in mind: HJK have averaged an impressive 2.6 goals per game over their last 5 matches, the highest rate in the league this month.
| 🏆 Tournament: | Veikkausliiga 2025 Regular Season |
| 🏟 Venue: | Elisa Stadion, Vaasa |
| 🗓️ Date: | 05.07.2025 |
| ⏰ Time: | 19:00 CEST |
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VPS vs HJK prediction
Having assessed both statistical profiles and underlying playing styles, the best value prediction is to side with HJK to win. HJK’s offensive production 13 goals in the last 5 matches paired with their 77 shots during that spell, suggests they possess not just firepower, but also a capacity to sustain attacking pressure. Their preference for a structured 4-2-3-1 formation enables creative midfielders like Alexander Ring and forwards such as Teemu Pukki to find gaps even against deep-lying teams.
VPS’s form is volatile, blending high scores with defensive lapses as evidenced by their recent 1-2 defeats against both Haka and AC Oulu. While they are capable of explosive periods, leaking 19 goals in 13 matches points to vulnerability, especially against HJK’s robust transitions.
Style-wise, VPS racks up a considerable number of fouls (42 over their last 5 matches), signaling a combative approach, while HJK keeps possession better (2187 passes vs VPS’s 1510 in the same period) and maintains higher pass accuracy 90 percent at times. This different approach will likely see HJK dominate the ball, putting VPS under pressure and potentially drawing fouls and set-piece opportunities.
| 🔥Hot Tip: | HJK -1 Asian Handicap |
| ⚽Total Goals: | Over 2.5 |
| 💥Both Teams To Score: | Yes |
| 🎯Total Corners: | Over 10.5 |
Team Analysis
VPS’s latest matches underscore an erratic trajectory. Their last fixture, a 1-2 home defeat to Haka, highlighted both their offensive promise and defensive fragility. Despite creating scoring chances and pushing forward with intent amassing 47 shots and 28 corners over their last 5 games they struggled to convert these opportunities consistently, as evidenced by their sole win in the last five outings. Key to their struggles has been the lack of midfield control, as reflected in lower pass numbers and accuracy.
HJK, meanwhile, arrive with greater stability. Their latest result, a surprise 2-3 loss to Jaro, may seem worrying, but it came after a stretch of commanding victories, including a 4-0 demolition of AC Oulu and a comprehensive 3-1 win over Haka. Their attack is notably diverse: Alexander Ring and Teemu Pukki offer movement and clinical finishing, while the back line (anchored by Brooklyn Lyons-Foster and Michael Boamah) has generally provided a solid base, even if occasional lapses have cost them points. HJK’s key strength lies in their ability to turn possession into scoring opportunities, reflected in their high shot and pass tallies.
Most recent Head-to-Head Matches
| Statistic | VPS | HJK |
|---|---|---|
| Goals | 3 | 7 |
| Total shots | 27 | 36 |
| Free kicks | 37 | 33 |
| Corner kicks | 14 | 19 |
| Total fouls | 34 | 31 |
| Pass accuracy (%) | 79 | 83 |
| Interceptions | 24 | 21 |
| Offsides | 6 | 7 |
🚨Read our full VPS vs HJK stats for more analysis.

VPS. Source: Official Website
Pre-game odds and win probability: HJK the favourite
- Moneyline VPS 4.34 | HJK 1.74
- Draw 4.04
- Over/Under Over 2.5 1.98 | Under 2.5 1.82
- BTTS (both teams to score) Yes 1.65 | No 2.10
The current market strongly favors HJK as the away side, reflective of their stronger form and squad depth. VPS’s high odds indicate bookmakers see them as clear underdogs, with the draw priced generously, suggesting respect for the home team’s ability to disrupt. The odds for Over 2.5 goals and BTTS also signal expectations of an attacking contest well aligned with both teams’ recent output.
You can find all our predictions for today’s games on our football betting tips page.
Possible Starting Lineups
VPS possible starting eleven
- GK: Rasmus Leislahti
- DF: Martti Haukioja, Miika Niemi, Pedro Justiniano, Tristan Dekker
- MF: Prosper Ahiabu, Alfie Cicale, Yassine El Ouatki
- FW: Antti-Ville Raisanen, Tyler Reid, Alfie Cicale
This lineup draws on recent appearance records and playing minutes, with Leislahti the clear leader between the posts. The preferred 4-3-3 exploits Ahiabu’s control and Cicale’s creativity in midfield, while Raisanen is joined in attack by the versatile foreign imports. The absence of consistent wing-backs means Haukioja and Niemi must balance defense with overlapping support.
HJK possible starting eleven
- GK: Thijmen Nijhuis
- DF: Brooklyn Lyons-Foster, Michael Boamah, Miska Ylitolva, Georgios Antzoulas
- MF: Alexander Ring, Giorgos Kanelopoulos, Lucas Lingman, Liam Moller
- FW: Teemu Pukki, Benji Michel
HJK’s projected XI is built around their 4-2-3-1, maximizing midfield solidity and attacking power. Nijhuis consistently dependable starts in goal. Defensively, Lyons-Foster and Boamah offer balance, while the midfield features Ring and Kanelopoulos pulling strings. Pukki and Michel are instrumental upfront, with Pukki’s movement and experience a known match-winner.
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HJK. Source: Official Website
My take on the Match
With superior form, deeper squad quality, and a recent trend of high-scoring encounters, HJK holds a distinct advantage in this clash. Expect them to dictate possession and leverage their midfield superiority to open up the VPS defense. While VPS may find a route to goal through set pieces or on the counter, HJK’s multi-pronged attack is likely to prove decisive. My main prediction is HJK to win, with Over 2.5 goals offering strong supplementary value for punters. For VPS to compete, minimizing fouls and boosting midfield bite will be essential, but the weight of evidence points to a comfortable away victory.
