Prediction: HJK vs Motherwell

Turning their attention back to Europa Conference League qualifying duties on Thursday evening, Motherwell will travel to Helsinki when they meet HJk for their first-leg battle.

With Europe’s elite domestic leagues set to officially make their respective returns over the past fortnight, there are plenty of attractive betting promotions available.

Verdict: Both teams to score – No

Starting with the hosts, getting their Europa Conference League qualifying charge underway last month with a dominant display as they stormed their way to an empathic 8-0 aggregate victory against Northern Ireland outfit Coleraine, HJK couldn’t have dreamed of a better start to proceedings. However, missing out on the chance to claim some dream momentum last time out as they slumped to a 3-0 drumming against domestic foes SJK, Joonas Rantanen’s men watched their extended flurry come to an abrupt end. Nevertheless, knowing the importance of claiming a first-leg advantage on Thursday evening, HJK will certainly be excited by the prospect of making a return to home soil here. In fact, the Klubi have won all of their previous four consecutive showdowns in front of their own supporters by an aggregate score of 10-2.

Both still dealing with respective injury issues, HJK will once again be without the duo of David Ezeh and Eemil Toivonen on Thursday evening. However, only making a cameo appearance off the bench and SJK over the weekend, Mouhamed Gueye will be handed a full recall in the middle of the park.

Completing a permeant switch from French outfit Rodez ahead of the 2026 campaign, Till Cissokho will start at the heart of HJK’s defence here and partner Ville Tikkanen.

Motherwell

As for the visitors, springing what was a real upset last season as they secured a fourth-place finish among Scotland’s elite, Motherwell have once again enjoyed an eye-catching start to proceedings. Extending on their respective Europa Conference League adventure last week as they cruised their way to a 5-0 aggregate victory against Faroe Islands-based outfit HB Torshavn, Alfred Johansson’s men should find the mood in their camp at a red-hot high. Opening the 2026/27 Premiership campaign with another impressive display over the weekend as they snatched a late 2-1 win away at bitter domestic rivals Hibernian, Motherwell should be relishing a trip to Helsinki on Thursday evening. In fact, Johansson’s men have registered three consecutive victories across all competitions for the first time since back in January.

Both still recovering from respective calf injuries, Motherwell will travel to Finland on Thursday evening without the duo of Nicky Cadden and former Aberdeen midfielder Jamie McGrath.

Opening his Premiership account away at Hibernian over the weekend, Nigerian marksman Ibrahim Said will spearhead the Steelmen’s charge in the final third. Enjoying what has been a sensational start since arriving from Austrian outfit BW Linz last month, Martin Moormann will start at the heart of Motherwell’s defence.

HJK vs Motherwell Key Factors to Consider

• Thursday’s showdown in Helsinki will be the first competitive meeting between HJK and Motherwell.
• Motherwell have registered three consecutive victories across all competitions for the first time since back in January.
• The Klubi have won all of their previous four consecutive showdowns in front of their own supporters by an aggregate score of 10-2.
• Continuing on from last season, Motherwell have registered a clean sheet in three of their last four competitive appearances.
• Only one of HJK’s last six appearances across all formats have finished with both teams finding the net.

Two camps who will know the importance of claiming their own respective first-leg advantages on Thursday evening, we could be set for a potential chess match in Helsinki. While Motherwell might have registered three consecutive victories for the first time since back in January, the Steelmen should be bracing themselves for a tricky examination on foreign soil. It should be highlighted, with HJK only seeing one of their last six showdowns across all competitions finish with both teams getting on the scoresheet, chances could come at a premium in midweek.

Verdict: Both teams to score – No

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