Runavik vs HJK    (lost)

Runavik host HJK in this UEFA Conference League Qualification round 1 first leg clash on Thursday. The hosts come from the Faroe Islands, HJK are a Finnish team. Runavik have never achieved anything in Europe, HJK have played 3 times in the Conference League group/league stage, and once in the Europa League group stage in the last 4 years. In terms of Transfermark values HJK are a significantly bigger club here.  Yes, HJK were in trouble against Klaksvik last season despite eliminating them 4-3 on aggregate. In the Faroes it was a 2.2 draw but Klaksvik were the better team on the pitch.  However, Klaksvik are a much better team than Runavik! I also want to emphasize that HJK were more or less " a mess" last July-October.. They had acquired (too) many new players of which most were not great - and were coached by Toke "Toke"  Korkeakunnas, a very mediocre coach.. The team was not "united" and most of the time the players did not seem to know what to do on the pitch.. HJK have not met expectations in the Finnish Veikkausliiga this season but have improved a  lot under the caretaker head coach, Miika Nuutinen. Yes, they lost to Jaro 2-3 at home as big favourites last week but other than that they have crushed the weaker opponents by a margin of 2-4 goals! Unlike last season they have some very good and experienced players in the squad - many Butrush users probably remember Teemu Pukki from his time with Norwich!  Alex Ring returned "home" from MLS and is a true leader. Expect odds to drop significantly. HJK have a 57% chance of winning!