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Aron Wright - August 10, 2021
HJK vs Neftchi Baku
UEFA Europa League
Date: Thursday, 12 August 2021
Kick-off at 17:00 UK/ 18:00 CET,
Venue: Bolt Arena (Helsinki).
After an exciting first-leg fixture in the UEFA Europa League qualifiers, HJK and Neftchi Baku is back on level ground in the semifinals of the tournament. The Finnish side will try their luck to break the barrier on Thursday when they host the Azerbaijan counterparts in the reverse fixture for a spot in the finals.
Even though playing at a neutral location doesn’t give an edge for the host, they have been unbeaten in their recent five fixtures across all major competitions in the schedule. They will return home for the UEL clash on the back of a 0-1 win on the road against KTP last time out in the Veikkausliiga.
On the other hand, Neftchi will come into the game on the back of a three-game winless run. The visitor has lost two consecutive CL qualifiers earlier in the records. They will visit on the back of the 2-2 draw at home with the host in the first leg of the UEL semifinal fixture.
Their lone encounter in 2021 resulted in a 2-2 draw at Neftchi.
There is no doubt that the match is sizing to be a high-scoring affair in ninety minutes after the four-goal haul in the first leg fixture. Thus, the tip for over 2.5 goals will probably come in handy.
Furthermore, HKJ enjoys the ground advantage in the middle and has lost none of their last ten home matches in the overall schedule. Besides, Neftchi will visit after a loss in their previous outing.
Hence, the home team is likely to have an edge in the encounter over the guest and to qualify for the finals in the tournament.
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