Tight game expected at OmaSP Stadium
Only one-point separates third-placed Ilves Tampere from fourth-placed Seinäjoen Jalkapallokerho in the Veikkausliiga standings and a few more could be up for grabs when the two European hopefuls do battle on Saturday.
SJK have the momentum with three consecutive wins in Veikkausliiga heading into this contest after their 4-1 demolition of IFK Mariehamn two days ago, while Ilves have also hit their stride with 3 victories and a draw in their last 5 games.
Both teams come into this matchup in very good shape and, with a clash of contrasting tactical ideas, the Seinäjoen Jalkapallokerho vs Ilves Tampere preview suggests it should be an end-to-end clash.
Ilves are in a league of their own on the road
Stevie Grieve has been in charge of the hosts for just over a month and already has his troops playing a structured 4-2-3-1/4-3-3 with the right discipline, balance and build-up to get some terrific results.
Ilves, on the other hand, are very attack-minded, operating a high-energy vertical 4-3-3 that sees them take the game to the opposition.
It’s a tactic that has proven fruitful, particularly on the road, with Joonas Rantanen’s side averaging 2.43 goals per game on their travels—the best road offense among the top teams.
There’s a bit to like about SJK in this clash, but our Seinäjoen Jalkapallokerho vs Ilves Tampere prediction is that Ilves, who are priced at 2.40, are the value bet and the narrow favourites are the pick here.
Roope Riski and Marius Soederbaeck the keys to Ilves’ success
Ilves have won their last three Veikkausliiga away games, while SJK’s record of four wins, one draw and two defeats from seven at home is not bad either, but Ilves’ away form is in a league of their own.
The visitors are also on a better run of form, although it is closer than the bookies think with the Seinäjoen Jalkapallokerho vs Ilves Tampere odds at 2.90 for SJK and the draw at 3.20.
Our Seinäjoen Jalkapallokerho vs Ilves Tampere prediction is that this will be a tight, back-and-forth game of football and the odds of Ilves winning looks like a good chance to make some money.
With both clubs in good goalscoring form, there is reason to take over 2.5 here, particularly as SJK have conceded an average of 1.29 goals at home in the league this term and Ilves have averaged 2.43 on their travels.
Kasper Paananen, with six goals in 14 Veikkausliiga games, is the top scorer in the SJK camp, but Roope Riski leads the way for the visiting side with four in the league.
He is the equal leading scorer in the Veikkausliiga, while playmaker Marius Soederbaeck has three assists in Ilves’ last five.
For those looking for insight, the Seinäjoen Jalkapallokerho vs Ilves Tampere betting tips focus on the attacking strengths of both teams and the likelihood of a high-scoring encounter.
