HJK vs Ilves prediction 01.07.2026 | Suomen Cup

HJK make the short turnaround to Suomen Cup action after a heavy 4:0 defeat against KuPS last Saturday. Ville Tikkanen was sent off after just 12 minutes, and Klubi struggled badly in a painful home reversal.

That defeat was a major setback for Rantanen’s side, who had enjoyed a six-game unbeaten run before last weekend’s surprisingly one-sided defeat.

Before that setback, HJK won five of six previous fixtures, with a whopping 31 goals scored including a remarkable 11:1 win against MyPA in the previous round of this competition. 

High-scoring outcomes have been frequent for HJK this season. The hosts have scored 25 goals in 14 league matches, giving them the best attacking record in the division. However, defensive issues have started to creep in, with nine goals leaked in their last four league fixtures.

Rantanen could make changes after the weekend defeat. Teemu Pukki was withdrawn early against KuPS following the red card, and the experienced forward should return to lead the attack.

Ilves make the trip to Helsinki after throwing away a two-goal lead in a 2:2 draw against SJK last weekend. Jardell Kanga scored twice from the penalty spot, but late goals from Samuel Chukwudi and Kasper Paananen denied the Tampere side all three points.

Last weekend’s setback came on the back of a dramatic 4:3 defeat at KuPS with the visitors having previously picked up three successive victories.

Like the home side, high-scoring outcomes have been a recurring theme. Eight of their last 11 games finished with over 2.5 goals scored while five of their six most recent matches saw a minimum of four goals scored.

An inconsistent campaign sees Ilves sit eighth in the Veikkausliiga standings, but they have performed well in recent matches against HJK. The visitors are unbeaten in seven of their last eight games against the home side.

Head coach Lehtonen could freshen up his side after a demanding run of league fixtures. The away side have no reported injury issues