VPS Vaasa v FC Ilves

VPS vs Ilves Preview

VPS registered a second win on the trot in the Finnish Veikkausliiga with a 2-1 win away from home at EIF last time out which has helped Friday afternoon's hosts up into second place in the domestic top flight ladder and just behind the league leaders, KuPS on goal difference, while Ilves were handed a 2-1 loss at home by KuPS last time out which has resulted in the visitors dropping down to fourth place in the table.

Despite losing twice so far this season, which came by way of home and away defeats at the hands of the league leaders, KuPS, VPS are now safe in the knowledge that they won't have to play their potential title rivals again in the league this season and Jussi Nuorela's side will be eager to welcome Ilves to their home patch on Friday afternoon.

VPS have picked up seven wins within their total of 10 league matches played to date in the Veikkausliiga so far this term which includes wins on home soil against Gnistan, Lahti and Inter Turku respectively.

However, this fixture is still a top four clash against Ilves and the goals market also appeals as no fewer than nine of VPS's last 10 home games have resulted with both teams hitting the back of the net.

Ilves were handed a 2-1 defeat at home by KuPS last time out in the Finnish top flight which halted a promising looking unbeaten run of six games in the Veikkausliiga but nevertheless, the visitors still occupy fourth spot in the table where they hold a useful five-point buffer between themselves and seventh placed Mariehamn ahead of Friday's fixtures.

Ilves had previously racked up five wins within their preceding six unbeaten games in the domestic top flight which consisted of gaining victories over the likes of Mariehamn, Oulu, EIF, Haka and Inter Turku respectively, so Joonas Rantanen's side will still fancy their chances of picking up a result of some sort at the Lemonsoft Stadion on Friday afternoon.

The bigger picture shows Ilves have suffered just three defeats out of their last 15 matches in the Veikkausliiga, collecting nine wins in the process so the visitors still carry a serious threat in this upcoming clash despite slipping to defeat last time out.

Having also been handed just the single defeat from their previous seven outings on the road which was a 1-0 loss away at SJK but also includes picking up four wins along the way as well, Ilves also look a decent bet to hit the back of the net at least once on Friday afternoon.

VPS v Ilves Verdict

Each of the last two meetings between VPS and Ilves have resulted in both teams scoring and this trend looks set to continue at the Lemonsoft Stadion on Friday afternoon.

Therefore, our main bet will be BTTS Yes @ 1.61

Other side bets worth considering:

Draw @ 3.40

Correct Score: 1-1 @ 6.50