HJK – Buducnost

HJK are doing well so far in the season; they started their campaign late in April and will be looking to get another positive result when they host Buducnost Podgorica in the first qualifying round of the Champions League. The Finland side tops the domestic league with 31 points from 11 matches, so far this season they’ve failed to win just one league game and the Super Cup clash. In 12 matches they have 10 wins, and having won each of their last nine matches, they will be charged up for this game.

Montenegro side Buducnost on their part, has played just seven Champions League matches in their history, and won one. These matches are spread far and wide; between 2012 and now, they have played just three Champions League matches, losing two and drawing one.  In their last 10 matches, Buducnost have one loss only, that came at the start of May and it is also the only time they’ve failed to score in that run. In eight of the last 10 matches, they’ve scored two or more goals.

Helsinki have been playing more competitively and will go to this game the fitter of the two. They play at home and have been doing well there so they have the momentum. While Buducnost have done well in their matches ahead of this game, the fact that they played last competitively in May, will hamper their chances. The relative inexperience in the Champions League will also not work in their favor, so back Helsinki to win here.