HJK Helsinki v Beroe/Stromsgodset v Sonderjyske – 7/5 Double

HJK Helsinki v Beroe

Having finished 1-1 in the first leg this one is finely poised and, much as it did at the start of the first match, looks a tough one to call. The game last week was evenly matched, there wasn’t much to separate either side in terms of both possession and chances created. Helsinki took the lead shortly before half-time and Beroe leveled shortly after.

Having scored an away goal in leg one, Helsinki are the side who’re just about in the driving seat, although, now in front of their own fans, the onus will be on them to take this second-leg by the scruff of the neck.

The bet that stands out here (as part of a double) is the visitors to score at least one goal. Things are balanced on a knife-edge at 1-1 and the Bulgarian outfit will know the importance of an away goal. Score first and they will be in a very strong position. Helsinki are the favourites here and they may well win; however, it is anticipated that they will attempt to play the game on the front foot which could play right into the hands of Beroe.

The side who finished third in Bulgaria last season are in good form of late, particularly on the road. They’re unbeaten in six games and have won their last three away games, scoring five goals. The fact that Helsinki have conceded in four of their last five at home, as well as in seven of their last ten, also bodes well.

Stromsgodset v Sonderjyske 

A tie that pitted together two Scandinavian sides was bound to be an exciting encounter and the first leg, finishing 2-1 to the Danish outfit, didn’t disappoint.

At 2-1 this one is another that is still finely balanced and could potentially go either way. Sonderjyske will be pleased with securing victory at home, but, on the other hand, Stromsgodset won’t be too disheartened by that defeat, especially since they bagged an away goal.

The problem for the Norwegian side here is that, as they trail, they will, sooner or later, have to go after this game. Sonderjyske will be aware of this fact and are likely to set up accordingly. The Danes know that all they need to do is keep a clean sheet and they are through, so staying compact early on will be key. If Sonderjyske can keep things tight at the start then they are likely to get more and more counter-attacking opportunities as the game wears on.

To complete the double, Sonderjyske to score over 0.5 goals looks a good bet. The 2015/2016 Danish runners-up scored twice in the first leg so they know that they can hurt their opponents and will be looking to do so once more. Moreover, it is 17 games since they last failed to score a goal! And they’ve netted in each of their last five away games, scoring a total of nine goals in doing so.

See all of today’s tips here.