HJK Helsinki vs. Eintracht Frankfurt – Preview, Prediction, Team news, Lineups – Football News, Previews, Predictions, Transfers

Eintracht Frankfurt aims to continue their dominance in the Europa Conference League as they face HJK Helsinki after a convincing 6-0 victory in the previous fixture.

Match Preview

HJK Helsinki faces a daunting task in the return fixture after suffering a heavy 6-0 defeat to Eintracht Frankfurt in their last encounter.

Despite retaining their league title, HJK’s celebration was short-lived as Frankfurt scored four first-half goals and added two more in the second half.

This defeat leaves HJK languishing in fourth place in Group G, five points behind their opponents.

Having completed their domestic campaign, HJK aims to regroup for the reverse fixture and keep their top-two hopes alive, knowing that they will be eliminated if they lose to Frankfurt.

On the other hand, Frankfurt is well-positioned to reach the knockout rounds, sitting in second place with a five-point cushion over their competitors.

With only one loss in the group stage against PAOK, Frankfurt is on a six-game unbeaten run in all competitions.

Frankfurt will look to claim a fourth consecutive away win in Helsinki, and three points could secure their place in the knockout rounds if Aberdeen fails to beat PAOK in the group’s other game.

Team News

HJK Helsinki remains without goalkeeper Dejan Iliev and attacker Maksim Stjopin, both long-term injury absentees.

The team may make some changes, with Georgios Kanellopoulos and Santeri Hostikka in contention to start.

Bojan Radulovic, with two goals in HJK’s three group games, represents one of the home side’s main goal threats.

Frankfurt will miss Sebastian Rode and Simon Simoni due to calf and elbow injuries. Tuta is also set to miss the trip to Helsinki due to a shoulder issue.

Hrvoje Smolcic is expected to replace Tuta, with potential starting berths for Niels Nkounkou, Buta, and Mario Gotze.

Prediction: HJK Helsinki 1-3 Eintracht Frankfurt

While HJK may put up a better fight this time, Frankfurt is expected to secure another victory.