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HJK will entertain Roma at the Sonera Stadium on Matchday 5 of the UEFA Europa League on Thursday (October 27).
This is a crucial game for both teams, as a defeat or draw would virtually rule out the hosts from knockouts reckoning. HJK have lost three of their four games and are bottom of Group C with just one point.
This is a must-win game for Roma as well. They trail second-placed Ludogortes by three points and will host them next week in their final game. If Roma win here and Ludogorets lose against Real Betis, Roma will be able to fight for second place on the final matchday. If Ludogorets win against Betis and Roma lose, the Italian club's knockout hopes will be over.
Roma drew 1-1 against first-placed Real Betis in their previous outing in the competition, while HJK suffered a 2-0 defeat against Ludogorets. Both teams suffered 1-0 defeats in their respective league games on Sunday. Roma fell to a home defeat to in-form Napoli, while HJK did so at home to KuPS.
HJK vs Roma Head-to-Head and Key Numbers
- The two teams met for the first time in September at the Stadio Olimpico. Roma won 3-0, thanks to second-half goals from Paulo Dybala, Lorenzo Pellegrini and Andrea Belotti.
- There have been under 2.5 goals scored in seven of HJK's last eight Europa League games.
- The hosts are winless in their last five games in the competition, losing thrice.
- HJK have the worst attacking record in the competition, scoring just once, against Ludogorets at home.
- There have been fewer than 2.5 goals scored in HJK's last four games across competitions, while the same holds true for Roma's last three games.
HJK vs Roma Prediction
HJK have failed to score in their last two games across competitions, but Roma have just one clean sheet in their last seven, so the odds of the hosts scoring here look good. As HJK are winless in their last two home games, they are second favorites against I Giallorossi.
Jose Mourinho led Roma to UEFA Europa Conference League glory last season and will look to avoid an early exit from the Europa League this season. The Serie A giants should eke out a narrow win.
Prediction: HJK 1-2 Roma
HJK vs Roma Betting Tips
Tip 1: Result - Roma
Tip 2: Goals - Over/Under 2.5 Goals - Over 2.5
Tip 3: At least a goal to be scored in the second half - Yes
Tip 4: Roma to score first - Yes
Tip 5: Andrea Belotti to score any time - Yes
