Sabasports Match Preview
Veikkausliiga: HJK Helsinki vs FC Inter Turku
Kickoff Time: 2025-08-05 00:00 (HKT)
Source: Source:REUTERS/Kim Hong-Ji
HJK Helsinki is a dominant force in the Veikkausliiga, having won four consecutive league titles from 2020 to 2023. This season, due to playing in three competitions, their league performance has declined slightly. In the last five league matches, they have only earned nine points, losing the initiative for the title. In midweek, they faced a penalty shootout in the Europa Conference League qualifier and suffered a heartbreaking loss at home, which greatly affected their morale. Looking at the season’s progress, HJK Helsinki’s key strength lies in a well-honed tactic of “wide-area breakthroughs and set pieces.” Their quick passing under high pressure is also a crucial weapon. Alexander Ring, 34, is the “engine” of this system, contributing seven goals and five assists in the league so far. Teemu Pukki, 35, is the “finisher,” with seven goals and six assists in the league. Although Pukki is older, his sense of position and movement are top-notch. As long as he is fit, he is a nightmare for opposing defenders.
FC Inter Turku has been active in the Veikkausliiga for a long time and won the league title in 2008. This season, Turku has shown strong competitive form, winning the Suomen Cup this year and remaining unbeaten in the league. Although their squad value isn’t the highest in the Veikkausliiga, their style of play and resilience are among the best. They place great emphasis on defense and ball control, and even if they fail to break through, they remain calm. So far this season, Turku has conceded only 13 goals. In the last match, even teams like SJK Seinajoki, known for their attacking prowess, struggled to create scoring opportunities. In terms of tactics, Turku relies on the midfield coordination of Florian Krebs and the dribbling and crossing of winger Loic Essomba to control the game. They also allow full-backs to push forward, creating overlapping runs with the wingers. Defensively, they use a “zone defense and midfield recovery” strategy. Considering the remaining fixtures, Turku will face fourth-placed Gufa and second-placed Elvis on the road. The result of this match will directly affect the title race in the Veikkausliiga.
This is a clash between two top teams in the Veikkausliiga, and the key to victory lies in how they manage their energy and exploit their opponent’s weaknesses. Overall, Turku has a slight edge in terms of fitness, player form, and tactical maturity. Since July, HJK Helsinki has played four more matches than Turku in European competitions, traveling to the Faroe Islands and Bulgaria. The club’s key players, Alexander Ring and Teemu Pukki, both played 120 minutes in midweek. For players in their 30s, it’s difficult to recover to peak form in such a short time, and increased mistakes are expected. In this match, Turku is unlikely to miss the chance to pick up points on the road.
HJK Helsinki‘s Last 5 Games: DWDWW
25-08-01 HJK Helsinki 2-2 Arda Kardzhali (ET 0-0 PEN 3-4)
25-07-29 IF Gnistan 2-4 HJK Helsinki
25-07-25 Arda Kardzhali 0-0 HJK Helsinki
25-07-20 HJK Helsinki 3-1 AC Oulu
25-07-18 HJK Helsinki 4-0 NSI Runavik (ET 1-0)
FC Inter Turku‘s Last 5 Games: WDWWD
25-07-27 FC Inter Turku 4-1 SJK-J
25-07-18 FC KTP 2-2 FC Inter Turku
25-07-12 FC Inter Turku 3-1 FF Jaro
25-07-06 FC Haka J 0-1 FC Inter Turku
25-07-02 FC Inter Turku 0-0 IFK Mariehamn
Head-To-Head Record
25-05-03 FC Inter Turku 1-1 HJK Helsinki
25-03-29 HJK Helsinki 4-4 FC Inter Turku (ET 0-0 PEN 7-8)
25-01-17 FC Inter Turku 1-2 HJK Helsinki
24-08-25 HJK Helsinki 1-0 FC Inter Turku
24-05-11 FC Inter Turku 0-1 HJK Helsinki
Prediction: FC Inter Turku to win or Draw