SJK vs Gnistan prediction 26.08.2024

• Competition: Veikkausliiga
• Date: Monday, 26th August, 2024
• Kickoff: 17:00 UK / 18:00 CEST
• Venue: OmaSp Stadion (Seinajoki)

In the recent three seasons, SJK was constantly in the upper half of the league's table. However, they only once managed to secure one European Qualifiers during that time. This year seems like a great chance to do it again, considering they are in 4th place with 35 points, just two away from 2nd-placed HJK and six away from the league's leader, KuPS. Now, two rounds before the end of the Veikkausliiga regular phase, SJK have already secured the Championship Group. Still, after losing in the Cup Semifinals to KuPS after the penalty shootout, their only way to secure Europe is through the league finish.

Considering that Gnistan played in the third tier of Finish football just a few years ago, we can safely say they are on the rise. Last year they secured promotion from Ykkonen, and their only goal this year is to ensure survival. Even though the season started poorly, they are on an excellent streak, winning four in a row. Right now, they are in 8th place with 26 points, five points away from the Championship Group. They are looking to extend their streak, but that will not be an easy task against a good home team like SJK.

SJK vs Gnistan pick: Over 2.5 goals

SJK played only high-scoring games recently, with their last seven games finishing with three or more goals and an incredible average of 5.17 goals per game! They are generally a team that plays high-scoring games and were over this line in 70% of their Veikkausliiga games. Also, at home, they are really efficient, scoring two or more goals in the last seven games, and we believe they can score at least a couple against Gnistan. On the other hand, they have had massive problems defensively in recent games, and we do not trust them to keep a clean sheet.

Gnistan are in fantastic form. They won the last four and are undefeated in the last five while scoring two or more goals in all five matches. So, it is fair to expect they can score once or twice against SJK. Additionally, just like SJK, Gnistan also played mostly high-scoring games throughout the season (65%).

Considering both team's high-scoring trends this season, along with all the above, we expect another game with at least three goals, most likely with both teams scoring.