VPS vs SJK 12/04/2024
After impressive wins for both sides in round 1 the coming VPS vs SJK clash from the Veikkausliiga promises to be exciting and close. The two sides battled hard for the bronze medals in 2023 and they both have similar ambitions this year.
VPS latest: Will the winning streak continue?
VPS had an amazing end to 2023. After struggling mightily in the first 11 rounds last season VPS went on a 15-game winning streak late in the campaign to pick exactly SJK to the bronze medals in the end. This should give extra charge to the coming VPS vs SJK clash.
In round 1 VPS beat Haka 2-1 away from home. It was a dominant display, especially in the first half when VPS could have easily scored 4-5 goals.
VPS team news
After the very strong performance in round 1, VPS might trust the same starters. It is not certain if any of the four players currently nursing knocks and bruises – Pedro Justiniano, Joseph Nuorela, Samuel Lindeman and Franklin Matib – will be able to play now.
The new centre-back Martti Haukioja will enter the VPS vs SJK match with mixed emotions. He represented the visitors for many years before this winter when he changed camps.
VPS player to watch: Joonas Vahtera
For the VPS vs SJK clash, we pick Joonas Vahtera as our player to watch from the home side. VPS rely on Vahtera’s passes and decisions to create chances. He already registered an assist in round 1. Vahtera also had very strong displays against SJK last year. Can he be impactful again?
VPS vs SJK line-up
Marttinen (GK), Haukioja, Niemi, Pitkanen, Hyvarinen, Cicale, Ahiabu, Bashkirov, Vahtera, Hytonen, Borchers
SJK latest: Will there be more of Kasper’s magic?
SJK opened the new season with a nice 2-1 home win against AC Oulu. Teenager Kasper Paananen scored in this win and he offered an utterly impressive display. Valentin Gasc was also very influential in midfield and he is expected to become SJK’s main ball handler this year.
SJK team news
SJK might be tempted to trust the same starters. That said the new wingers Eetu Mömmö and Lauri Laine had a great impact coming off the bench last weekend and they could be considered for starting roles now.
In any case, the squad’s health is good. Only the talented attacking midfielder Tuomas Kaukua missed the VPS vs SJK clash injured.
SJK player to watch: Pyry Hannola
SJK’s playmaker Pyry Hannola was very efficient in the first match. He scored one of the goals and assisted for the other. Also, 3 of the 4 best chances in this game for SJK were directly created by him.
We expect Hannola to continue to dominate from the number 10 position. He has the form and the confidence to do so and we back him to shine again.
VPS vs SJK line-up
Paunio (GK), Naamo, Pires, Tikkanen, Gasc, Hannola, Paananen, Mömmö, Moreno, Karjalainen
VPS vs SJK– head-to-head and other stats
- VPS vs SJK H2H – W9 D5 L27 – There were 3 or more goals scored in 5 of the last 6 H2Hs.
- SJK have been unable to keep a clean sheet in any of their last 20 games.
- SJK scored at least one goal in all of their last 10 away matches vs VPS.