29
Oct
The ninth round of Ligue 1 features an exciting derby on Friday at 20:05 UK Time, as Lille host Lens in a clash between two sides looking to establish themselves among the league's top teams.
Finnish football resumes with the match between Gnistan Helsinki and Inter Turku in the Veikkausliiga championship playoffs. The game takes place on Wednesday, October 7, at 17:00 UK Time.
Match Preview
The hosts sit in fourth place with 41 points, trailing third-placed HJK by just one point. Gnistan Helsinki is in excellent form and has already demonstrated its ability to compete successfully against Finland's top teams. The team is unbeaten in its last seven matches, recording three wins and four draws. Particularly impressive were the 3–2 away victory over HJK Helsinki and the 3:2 win against Ilves Tampere. Gnistan also won 2:1 away at AC Oulu, while drawing their other four matches - specifically against HJK, KuPS, and TPS Turku.
Inter Turku sits second in the standings with 48 points, trailing league leaders KuPS only on goal difference. The Blue-and-Blacks are contending for the title and will aim to gain an advantage in the race by defeating Gnistan. The visitors have won four of their last five matches. Their only setback was a 1:2 away loss to HJK Helsinki in the capital; in the other four games, Inter was rock-solid in defense and secured 1:0 victories.
Prediction for Gnistan - Inter Turku
Gnistan Helsinki has won its last two matches against Inter Turku and will be looking to delight its fans with another victory. The team is unbeaten in its last four home games, with three ending in a 1:1 draw and one resulting in a 3:2 win. In six of the Helsinki side's last seven home matches, both teams scored, and that is my prediction for the upcoming game against Inter Turku.
Prediction: BTTS
