For the time being the two teams look like the only ones capable of challenging mighty Helsinki for the Veikkausliiga title, so there is no doubt we will see a very interesting match between two title contenders. Inter Turku have slipped from the second place after losing to TPS, but they now have a chance for a straight return to the runners-up place.

Inter looking for a return to winning ways

After some impressive showings from last term that earned them sixth-place finish hinted that Inter were not too far away from the leading teams in Finland, the club management decided to significantly reinforce the squad over the winter and that has already produced impressive results. The arrivals of Magnus Bahne, Toni Kallio, Federico Scoppa and Domagoj Abramovich have really improved the quality of the squad, so it is no wonder that Inter now sit very close to the top of the standings. The narrow defeat to TPS ended team’s impressive five-match winning run, but the hosts are now determined to return to winning ways and the second place in the standings. Inter have been very convincing at home this season, winning four of five games at Veritas Stadium, scoring impressive 16 goals in the process, so we can expect another good home performance from Inter.

Former Fulham defender Toni Kallio will keep his place in the side, while league’s top scorer Timo Furuholm is looking to continue his amazing scoring form, having scored 10 goals in just as many league games.

JJK overachieving

After they narrowly escaped relegation last term, JJK invested piles of cash in the squad over the summer and are now seeing the results of the heavy spending. Quality players Mirko Manninen, Tamas Gruborovics, Babatunde Wusu and Eero Korte all arrived and definitely made JJK a better team, but this side still lack a strength in depth as well as quality to match the best teams in the league. The 6:2 defeat at the hands of Helsinki proved that JJK are still not ready to mount a serious title challenge, although there are no doubts they will finish the season in top table. Kari Martonen’s side were very lucky to beat IFK Mariehamn in the last round and with the team far from the desired form at the moment, they are likely to face problems in Turku.

Captain Mikko Hyyrynen returns to the side from suspension, while Babatunde Wusu has resumed full training, but is still far from full fitness.

Verdict

Inter Turku have enjoyed a great season so far and their impressive home run hints that JJK will face real problems at Veritas Stadium. The visitors look to be on the downtrend at the moment and they will need to produce something special to avoid defeat in Turku. Nonetheless, my advice is to back Inter here.

Our prediction: Home win

Odds: 1.76 (19/25)

Bookmaker: Betfair