Preview for big Helsinki derby HJK vs HIFK Aug 24th

HJK vs HIFK at sold-out stadion Today the biggest match at Veikkausliiga, third sold out Helsinki derby of the season. This is a fixture where class difference and player material superiority play very little role, and both previous derbies this season did end rather deservedly 1-1. HIFK were afraid in the start of the first of the matches, but since they have also discovered the poor quality of Veikkausliiga and HJK and they are doing very well for a promoted team. If you remember the final moments of HIFK at Ykkönen last season - the impossible promotion - then you can understand a bit how emotionally involved HIFK are in these derbies after decades of missing top league action. HJK still do have one EL match vs Krasnodar, perhaps some of the players try to use it as an opportunity to impress some scouts in case they bother to come to a match which is already decided. (5-1 in Russia last week) Nevertheless here are team news - as we know it: HJK injury list is long; Kandji, Savage, Baah, Sorsa, Lampi and Alho. Zeneli suspended? New guy Taye Taiwo available. HIFK mf Halme & mf Lassas suspended, both would had been likely starters. Mustonen & Taulo injured, both would had been on the bench. Df/mf Anyamele returns from suspension. Bäckman & Jurvainen return from injury room, neither super important. Outcome? Odds drifted towards HIFK and there is now -0.75 line available. If this had been first match of the season the HJK hc would had been -1.5 or more and I might have suggested that, but HJK have been weak all season and the injury situation does not help at all. HJK will win the title anyway and even if this would be a big match for domestic HJK players there are so many paid soldiers and foreigners at HJK starting that I am not at all sure they care a  f****. For HIFK this match is huge, and they will cover their shortages in skill with a massive effort. Can not give exact estimations for this, but HIFK at any chosen handicap you like, I took +0.5 myself. Impossible to say where the odds go from here, often the HJK home odds have risen towards the kick-off but perhaps this is now seen more or less correct handicap? Finland : Veikkausliiga - Odds From 188bet.com Time GMT+0 Betting event  Current Open Total Line Over/Under spread odds spread odds current open type current open Finland : Veikkausliiga - 24/08/2015 16:30  HJK Helsinki -0.75 1.870 -1.25 2.120 2.5 2.5 over 2.110 2.080 HIFK Helsinki +0.75 2.050 +1.25 1.790 under 1.800 1.820