Motherwell
HJK
Motherwell vs HJK Predictions, Picks & Odds – 13/08/2026
Motherwell vs HJK – Best bets of the match
· Confidence Medium
Motherwell vs HJK Preview
Motherwell arrive at Fir Park buoyed by an encouraging start under Alfred Johansson, whose side posted a commanding 5-0 aggregate victory in the previous qualifying round. A 1-1 draw in Helsinki was a creditable result, though the Steelmen managed only two shots on target across that first leg. Their recent league form has been steady, including a 2-1 win and a goalless draw with Falkirk, a result that highlighted a side still finding its rhythm during a transitional period.
HJK carry genuine momentum into this second leg. The Finnish champions bounced back from the Helsinki draw with a 1-0 Veikkausliiga win over Oulu, maintaining their strong recent run of form. Teemu Pukki's equaliser in the first leg underlined their threat, and the underlying numbers were striking: five shots on target to Motherwell's two. With possession-based football and a high press central to their identity, HJK will fancy their chances of controlling proceedings at Fir Park.
The X2 selection for this second leg rests on HJK's superior shot output across recent fixtures. The Finnish side generated five shots on target in the first leg compared to Motherwell's two, and their overall volume of 58 shots in recent matches dwarfs Motherwell's 36. That kind of sustained pressure suggests HJK carry a genuine goal threat, making a draw or away win the likeliest outcome at 4.20.
Teemu Pukki's equaliser in Helsinki demonstrated HJK's capacity to punish defensive lapses, and the veteran striker thrives in precisely these high-stakes European ties. Motherwell remain in transition, as their own club acknowledged after a goalless draw with Falkirk. Both sides share identical recent form of two wins and a draw, yet HJK's possession-based style and high press could suffocate a direct Motherwell approach.
Backing the double chance covering a draw or HJK victory provides a sensible route into this fixture. The under 2.5 goals market at 1.96 also merits attention given the cagey nature of the first leg and Motherwell's defensive organisation at home. Odds correct at time of publication.
Trends to Know about Motherwell vs HJK
- HJK dominated with 5 shots on target
- Motherwell managed only 2 shots on target
- HJK's 58 total shots dwarf Motherwell's 36
Form & Statistics: Motherwell vs HJK
Motherwell
Recent form
Season statistics (3)
HJK
Recent form
Season statistics (3)
Lineups: Motherwell vs HJK
Motherwell
Starters
- 1 Alex Paulsen
- 2 Ewan Wilson
- 3 Martin Moormann
- 4 Jake Girdwood-Reich
- 5 Emmanuel Longelo
- 6 Tom Sparrow
- 7 Lukas Fadinger
- 8 Oscar Priestman
- 9 Tawanda Maswanhise
- 10 Willy Vogt
- 11 Luca Ross
Bench
- Matty Connelly
- Josh McConnell
- Jamie Knight-Lebel
- Zack McAllister
- Olly Whyte
- Mikey Booth
Absent
- R. Callachan (injury)
- Johnny Koutroumbis (Injury)
- Jordan McGhee (Injury)
- Stephen O'Donnell (Injury)
- Callum Hendry (Injury)
- Apostolos Stamatelopoulos (Injury)
- Paul McGinn (Injury)
HJK
Starters
- 1 Jesse Öst
- 2 Miska Ylitolva
- 3 Kaius Simojoki
- 4 Till Cissokho
- 5 Ville Tikkanen
- 6 Alexander Ring
- 7 Lucas Lingman
- 8 Mouhamed Gueye
- 9 Toivo Mero
- 10 Teemu Pukki
- 11 Santeri Haarala
Bench
- Mitja Haapanen
- Amara Nallo
- Emil Leveälahti
- Jere Kallinen
- Martin Kirilov
- Liam Möller
- Mads Borchers
- Alfie Cicale
- Leo Lappalainen
Low confidence
Both sides line up in a 4-3-3 mirror, though confidence levels differ: HJK's shape is backed by multiple credible sources, while Motherwell's XI remains speculative, drawn from first-leg patterns and injury adjustments. That asymmetry is worth keeping in mind before reading too much into the home side's structure.
For HJK, Teemu Pukki is the obvious focal point, a seasoned striker capable of punishing any defensive hesitation. Motherwell will look to press high through Tawanda Maswanhise and the wide channels, testing whether the Finnish side's back four can handle the physicality of a Scottish home crowd behind them.
Motherwell vs HJK: Head-to-Head
Average statistics (recent meetings)
How to Watch Motherwell vs HJK Match?
What time is Motherwell vs HJK?
Motherwell host HJK at Fir Park on 13 August 2026, with kickoff scheduled for 19:30 local time.
Where is Motherwell vs HJK being played?
This Europa Conference League second leg will be played at Fir Park in Motherwell, Scotland.
How Can I Watch Motherwell vs HJK on TV and Live Stream?
Check local listings for live broadcast and streaming details for this Europa Conference League fixture.