IF Gnistan Helsinki vs IFK Mariehamn Best odds and tips

The head-to-head record between these two clubs suggests IF Gnistan Helsinki are more likely to win on Saturday and the bookmakers make them favourites at 1.65 compared to IFK Mariehamn’s 5.66. Gnistan have dominated this fixture in recent times, winning four of the last eight meetings and losing just once. The last time these two met was in the Liigacup Group A 2025 where IF Gnistan Helsinki hammered IFK Mariehamn 4-0 at home. Both teams have started the 2025 Veikkausliiga season poorly with IF Gnistan Helsinki sitting 11th with three points from four games and IFK Mariehamn in sixth with six points from five. This game is a chance for both teams to put some momentum together and start climbing the table.

Jussi Leppaelahti has done a great job at IF Gnistan Helsinki since taking over in January 2024. His pragmatic, disciplined approach has brought about some surprising results, such as the 1-0 away win at HJK Helsinki. IF Gnistan Helsinki are a compact, gritty side that are defensively solid, but they have enough quality to play on the front foot and catch teams out on the break. Saku Heiskanen has been a spark of creativity for Gnistan this season, registering two assists in four Veikkausliiga games. Gary Williams took over the reins at IFK Mariehamn in August 2024 and has brought about a similar style of football. Mariehamn like to control the tempo and are more of a possession-based team. Muhamed Olawale has led the line well for Mariehamn this season, scoring two goals in just three Veikkausliiga appearances, while Hugo Cardoso has been their main provider with two assists in five Veikkausliiga games.

Both teams have been conceding an average of two goals per game at home and away in the Veikkausliiga 2025, so the over 2.5 goals market looks a good bet here. Joakim Latonen has been IF Gnistan Helsinki’s main goal threat this season, scoring two goals in four Veikkausliiga games, while half of the last six goals that Gnistan have scored have come from his boot. IF Gnistan Helsinki have been poor at home this season, but their head-to-head record against IFK Mariehamn and the bookies odds suggest they are the favourites to edge a close match. The clash of styles between Gnistan’s grit and Mariehamn’s control should make for an interesting game and it could be a goal from a set-piece or a quick break that settles it.