VPS vs Haka: Can VPS secure their spot in the top 6?
In the 13th round of the Finnish Veikkausliiga, VPS will host Haka at home on Wednesday, July 2. Kick-off is set for 17:00 Central European Time. Let’s take a closer look at the odds and pick a winner for this showdown.
VPS vs Haka: Match facts and head-to-head
- VPS have won just one of their last five matches.
- The team is unbeaten at home in three straight matches, and has suffered only one loss in eight home games this season.
- Haka are on a three-game losing streak and haven’t won in their last four fixtures.
- Haka have one of the weakest attacks in the league, with just 14 goals scored.
- Both teams have kept a clean sheet in only 13% of their matches.
- VPS have lost just 7% of their games this season without scoring a goal.
- In their most recent head-to-head, Haka edged VPS 2-1, though VPS had won the previous three meetings.
VPS vs Haka: Match preview
Both teams are battling for a place in the Veikkausliiga Championship Group. There are still plenty of rounds left in the regular season, and the real fight is yet to come, but for now, VPS are ahead in the standings.
After 12 rounds, VPS have 18 points and sit in sixth place—the very spot that guarantees a berth in the championship group. Their lead over seventh is just two points. However, VPS have failed to win in their last two games: a 0-0 draw and a 1-2 loss to AC Oulu last time out. Over their last five matches, they’ve managed only one win, one draw, and three defeats.
Haka are lower in the table and in worse form. They’re coming off three consecutive losses and four games without a win. After 12 rounds, they’ve collected 12 points and occupy ninth place. Their gap to sixth-placed VPS is six points. The regular season runs until the end of August, so there’s still everything to play for.
Probable lineups
- VPS: Leislahti, Niemi, Haukiyoja, Dekker, Pedro Justiniano, Sikale, Fall, El Watki, Raisanen, Ahiabu, Jakonen
- Haka: Hughes, Houston, Friberg, Nicolas, Seidiu, Lindholm, Okjere, Da Silva, Akintunde, Myommo, Bulgakov
Prediction
At home, VPS look confident—unlike Haka on the road. I expect the hosts to extend their strong home run and I’m backing VPS to win at odds of 1.99.
