When: 18:00
Where: Finland. Veikkausliiga

HJK
HJK currently stands in 4th place in the table with 32 points from 18 games and shows strong offensive performance with 40 goals scored and 24 conceded. On average, 3.56 goals are scored in their matches, with themselves scoring an average of 2.22 goals per game. However, their form in the last five matches has been inconsistent with two losses and three wins, indicating a certain instability. Defensive weaknesses are particularly apparent, especially against fast wing counterattacks. Offensively, they often rely on flank-based attacks, which sometimes fail due to lack of penetration. Tactically, HJK prefers an offensive 4-3-3 system that allows plenty of ball possession but is not always effective in finishing.

Ilves
Ilves currently holds 2nd place with 36 points after 18 games and has a balanced record of 39:21 goals. With 3.33 goals per game, scoring 2.17 goals themselves and conceding 1.17, they show stable performance. The last five encounters ended without a defeat (three wins, two draws), underlining their current consistency. Ilves impresses with a compact 4-4-2 formation, effective pressing, and quick transitions, which particularly trouble opponents’ defense. Their offensive efforts are purposeful and dangerous; even away matches, they appear confident and stable.

Injuries
Neither team has injured or suspended players, so both sides can field their best lineups. This promises an exciting and intense duel without absences and thus without any quality compromises.

Head-to-head matches
The last five direct encounters between HJK and Ilves clearly favor Ilves with three wins, one draw, and only one loss. The games have generally been high-scoring, with both teams scoring in most encounters. Ilves was able to dominate several times with effective pressing and fast attacks and even won one match 3-0 against HJK, highlighting their strength against this opponent.

Match prediction
Due to the offensive strength of both teams and the defensive vulnerabilities, especially of HJK, we expect an open game full of chances on both sides. The recent performances, head-to-head statistics, and high average number of goals suggest that over 2.5 goals will be scored. Both teams need points and will play offensively, which should lead to a high-scoring encounter.

My tip: Over 2.5 goals (1.48)

When: 19:00
Where: Denmark Superliga

Odense
Odense has shown rather inconsistent football in the recent games. The team often tries to control the match but clearly lacks offensive breakthrough power, resulting in few real chances. The defense appears vulnerable to quick counterattacks, which repeatedly causes problems. The team is expected to play in a 4-3-3 formation, but the flanks are rather ineffective. Home advantage is a plus, but the necessary confidence and consistency to appear as a clear top team are missing.

Randers
Randers has so far presented a solid season, sitting second in the table. With two wins and one draw from three games, they show a determined and aggressive style of play, particularly through effective pressing already in the opponent's half. The defense is usually well organized, with compactness in the center and quick transitions. The formation is traditionally a 4-4-2 focusing on fast, central attacks. They are strong away and show no home anxiety.

Injuries
Odense can rely on its entire squad, providing stability. Randers will miss Izzo due to a thigh injury until the end of August; while this is a loss, it does not decisively weaken the team as a whole.

Direct Encounters
Historically, Odense has had the upper hand against Randers in the last five meetings with three wins and two draws. Odense seems to know Randers’ tactical weaknesses and regularly exploits them. This psychological advantage could play a significant role in the upcoming match.

Match Prediction
Despite Randers being the current favorite, the head-to-head record shows that Odense, especially at home, has often had the upper hand. Both teams tend to build up their play in a controlled manner, but that doesn’t mean there will be a lack of goals. Defensive weaknesses on both sides are likely to create opportunities for the opposition. Therefore, it is highly possible that both Randers and Odense will find the net. The bet “Both Teams to Score: Yes” (odds 1.53) looks particularly appealing in this context.

My Tip: Both Teams to Score: Yes (1.53)

When: 20:30
Where: Turkey. Süper Lig

Trabzonspor
Trabzonspor is undoubtedly one of the big names in Turkish football and consistently pursues ambitious goals. In recent matches, the team showed particularly dominant football at home with intense pressing and strong flank attacks. Despite this strength, weaknesses were revealed during fast counterattacks, especially during ball losses in midfield, leading to dangerous situations. Tactically, Trabzonspor often prefers a 4-3-3 or 4-2-3-1 system, focusing on ball control and overlapping runs. Nevertheless, the team can sometimes struggle to create clear chances against defensively compact opponents.

Kocaelispor
Kocaelispor is at the bottom of the table and pursues different objectives. The team mainly acts pragmatically and tries to minimize risks through a compact defense and cautious buildup play. Away from home, Kocaelispor often employs a 4-4-2 or 5-4-1 formation to crowd the midfield and defense. Offensively, they lack creativity and penetration, so scoring chances are rare and often rely on individual actions or long balls. Overall, the team shows little confidence on the road and struggles to apply pressure.

Injuries
Several key players are unavailable for Trabzonspor: goalkeeper Ugurcan Çakır (muscle injury), forward Paul Onuachu (cruciate ligament tear), as well as midfielders Batista Mendy, Mërgim Saracevic, and Anthony Nwakaeme due to suspensions. These absences notably weaken the goalkeeper and offensive areas. Kocaelispor, on the other hand, currently has no injured or suspended players, giving them a personnel advantage.

Head-to-Head
There is no current information on recent direct encounters between Trabzonspor and Kocaelispor, which means either no relevant recent meetings have taken place or previous matches currently hold no meaningful significance.

Match Prediction
Despite important absences, Trabzonspor enters the home game against Kocaelispor as clear favorites. The significant quality and experience of the hosts are expected to make the difference, even though the offense loses some potency with Onuachu's absence and the defense appears more vulnerable without Çakır. Kocaelispor will try to stabilize defensively and keep the game as open as possible, but they have only a small chance to seriously challenge the hosts. Due to Trabzonspor’s playing strength and home advantage, a victory for the hosts is very likely, albeit with a narrow margin. The betting odds of 1.58 for a Trabzonspor win thus offer an attractive wager.

My tip: Trabzonspor win (1.58)