Season for friendlies

Is about to start. Next week, the 15th to be precise. Finland U19 team will meet Estonia at 13.00 local time, which makes it a bit awkward for anyone to see - except me of course - but a lovely target for asian bookmakers.

If the estonians have their best team available I think they should be given around +3 goals handicap. The game is played indoors in Espoo, but the Arena is full-size and well fitted for football.

The same day Fc Viikingit will meet KäPa. Both teams were playing in Ykkönen last season but KäPa being a miserable group of full-time amateurs and Viikingit pursuing a professional status at the other end of the table there is a gap to be filled.

Have to check with team news later but Viikingit is a huge favourite is this derby-friendly. Kick-off at 17.00 (+2 gmt)

On Friday 16th HJK Helsinki is taking their first friendly of the season, the visitors coming from Estonia. Nomme Kalju JK is a frequent visitor in Finland but unfortunately I have to say that the team in footballing terms is poor. Pure rubbish. HJK is about 5-6 goals better.

There is also another game later that day. Or perhaps there is as the host PK-35 has moved lately from Helsinki to Vantaa and for me it is slightly unsure if they can keep on training in Helsinki. I think and hope that it can be arranged. The game would be against Honka reserves who got promoted to division 2. An even match to be expected.