HJK vs VPS prediction 18.07.2026 | Veikkausliiga
HJK Helsinki
Kick off:
Date:
VPS Vaasa
1
1.88
X
3.65
2
3.55
Contents
- Competition: Veikkausliiga
- Date: 18th July 2026
- Kick-off: 13:00 UK / 14:00 CEST
- Venue: Helsinki
An exciting Veikkausliiga battle takes center stage at Bolt Arena this Saturday as fifth-place HJK Helsinki welcomes third-place VPS Vaasa. The hosts enter this critical fixture desperate to find consistency and avenge a 2–1 defeat from their previous meeting earlier this season. Meanwhile, VPS travels to the capital aiming to cement their place in the league's top three while capitalizing on HJK's recent defensive stumbles. We dive into the most vital tactical matchups, recent squad form, and the top betting value options ahead of this highly anticipated Finnish showdown.
HJK Helsinki vs VPS Vaasa Head to Head (H2H) stats
-
VPS Vaasa
2 : 1
HJK Helsinki
Veikkausliiga
-
VPS Vaasa
0 : 2
HJK Helsinki
Veikkausliiga
-
HJK Helsinki
3 : 1
VPS Vaasa
Veikkausliiga
-
VPS Vaasa
1 : 1
HJK Helsinki
Veikkausliiga
-
VPS Vaasa
1 : 3
HJK Helsinki
Veikkausliiga
-
HJK Helsinki
1 : 2
VPS Vaasa
Veikkausliiga
HJK Helsinki has historically controlled this matchup, winning 6 of their last 10 competitive meetings with VPS Vaasa. However, VPS has found form recently, securing a 2–1 victory in their latest May 2026 encounter. Matches remain highly energetic, averaging over 3 total goals per game.
HJK team overview
HJK Helsinki enters this one on the back of a disappointing 2–0 away defeat against FC Lahti. Klubi has experienced a highly inconsistent run of form, securing only two victories in their last five league matches.
Under Joonas Rantanen's men, the team has struggled to build real momentum, and their performance at the Bolt Arena reflects this patchiness, as they are currently on a two-match winless run at home following a heavy 4–0 loss to KuPS and a 3–3 draw with Inter Turku.
Key man Mads Borchers remains crucial to turning things around, leading the squad with seven goals and two assists across his 15 league appearances this season.
While defender Ville Tikkanen returns after serving his red-card suspension, the tactical setup faces an explicit challenge due to the notable absence of goalkeeper Matej Marković, forcing Jesse Öst to step up between the sticks.
Last matches of HJK Helsinki
-
FC Lahti
2 : 0
HJK Helsinki
Veikkausliiga
-
HJK Helsinki
2 : 1
FC Ilves
Finland Cup
-
HJK Helsinki
0 : 4
KuPS
Veikkausliiga
-
IFK Mariehamn
0 : 4
HJK Helsinki
Veikkausliiga
-
HJK Helsinki
3 : 3
Inter Turku
Veikkausliiga
HJK Helsinki lineup
Goalkeeper
-
12
Jesse Öst
Defenders
-
27
Miska Ylitolva
-
3
Till Cissokho
-
2
Brooklyn Lyons-Foster
-
14
Leonel Montano
-
10
Lucas Lingman
Midfielders
-
10
Jere Kallinen
-
14
Liam Möller
-
17
Alfie Cicale
Forwards
-
29
Mads Borchers
-
19
Teemu Pukki
VPS team overview
VPS Vaasa prepares for this one on the back of a crucial 1–0 home victory against SJK Seinäjoki. The Vepsu are currently enjoying a stellar run of form, remaining completely unbeaten in their last five league fixtures with four wins and a draw.
Under Jussi Nuorela’s guidance, the squad has maintained an exceptionally disciplined tactical structure, which is clearly mirrored in their solid away form. They have lost only one of their last seven games across all competitions, though only three of them were victories.
Key talisman Luka Smyth continues to spearhead the offensive line, leading the side with seven goals and one assist in the campaign.
However, the visitors face a minor selection dilemma due to the ongoing absence of regular midfield engine Joonas Vahtera due to fitness issues.
Last matches of VPS Vaasa
-
VPS Vaasa
1 : 0
SJK
Veikkausliiga
-
VPS Vaasa
4 : 0
IFK Mariehamn
Veikkausliiga
-
VPS Vaasa
2 : 3
Inter Turku
Finland Cup
-
Gnistan
1 : 1
VPS Vaasa
Veikkausliiga
-
VPS Vaasa
5 : 1
AC Oulu
Veikkausliiga
VPS Vaasa lineup
Goalkeeper
-
41
Mamadou Jalloh
Defenders
-
2
Lassana Mane
-
21
Vilmer Rönnberg
-
30
Yassin Daoussi
-
27
Kevin Kouassivi-Benissan
Midfielders
-
20
Antti-Ville Räisänen
-
11
Miika Niemi
-
6
Emmanuel Okereke
-
7
Jayden Turfkruier
Forwards
-
37
Paulo Lima
-
15
Luka Smyth
-
22
Heine Larsen
Prediction
HJK Helsinki looks set to squeeze out a gritty 2–1 win in this crucial clash. Klubi usually gets the better of this matchup, and they’re hungry to make up for that last loss. With the Bolt Arena buzzing, Joonas Rantanen’s side will go after a Vepsu defense that’s tired and has a habit of leaking goals away from home. This game promises a fast pace and plenty of chances, and HJK’s extra firepower up front should tip it in their favor.
Four reasons we expect over 2.5 goals in this tie
- VPS finished only two of their last seven games without conceding.
- Six of the last eight meetings between HJK and VPS produced three or more goals.
- HJK shipped seven goals across their last three games alone.
- Six of the last seven games of HJK finished with three or more goals.
Main prediction HJK Helsinki - VPS Vaasa
Over 2.5 goals
Best Odds:
1xBet
1.63
HJK Helsinki vs VPS Vaasa standings in Veikkausliiga
| Regular Season | P | W | D | L |
G - A
|
GD | Pts | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | KuPS | 15 | 8 | 6 | 1 | 27 - 15 | +12 | 30 |
| 2 | Inter Turku | 15 | 8 | 6 | 1 | 23 - 12 | +11 | 30 |
| 3 | VPS | 15 | 7 | 6 | 2 | 22 - 11 | +11 | 27 |
| 4 | Oulu | 15 | 8 | 2 | 5 | 20 - 18 | +2 | 26 |
| 5 | HJK | 15 | 6 | 4 | 5 | 25 - 19 | +6 | 22 |
| 6 | Gnistan | 15 | 6 | 4 | 5 | 23 - 20 | +3 | 22 |
| 7 | TPS | 15 | 6 | 4 | 5 | 19 - 16 | +3 | 22 |
| 8 | Lahti | 15 | 5 | 4 | 6 | 18 - 15 | +3 | 19 |
| 9 | Ilves | 15 | 4 | 4 | 7 | 25 - 29 | -4 | 16 |
| 10 | SJK | 15 | 3 | 5 | 7 | 18 - 23 | -5 | 14 |
| 11 | Jaro | 15 | 2 | 5 | 8 | 15 - 32 | -17 | 11 |
| 12 | Mariehamn | 15 | 0 | 4 | 11 | 8 - 33 | -25 | 4 |