Motherwell
HJK
Motherwell vs HJK Predictions, Picks & Odds – 13/08/2026
Motherwell vs HJK Preview
Motherwell arrive at Fir Park riding a five-game unbeaten streak across all competitions, and new manager Alfred Johansson has injected real belief into this squad. A 5-0 aggregate demolition of HB Torshavn in the previous round, combined with a 2-1 league victory over Hibernian, speaks to growing momentum. The Steelmen have been formidable on home soil, recording 11 clean sheets in their last 15 matches at Fir Park. Johansson is expected to name an unchanged side.
HJK Helsinki carry genuine European pedigree into this second leg, having reached the Conference League group stage in two of the past three seasons. Joonas Rantanen's side bounced back from a two-game winless run with a narrow 1-0 victory against Oulu in the Veikkausliiga, restoring some confidence ahead of the trip to Lanarkshire. The Finnish champions prefer a possession-based, high-pressing style, though adapting that approach to a hostile Fir Park atmosphere will test their composure considerably.
The double chance 1X selection rests on Motherwell's remarkable home defensive record. Eleven clean sheets in their last fifteen matches at Fir Park is a statistic that commands respect, and it makes the home side extremely difficult to break down. With the aggregate locked at 1-1, the Steelmen need only avoid defeat to force extra time, and their fortress form suggests they are well equipped to do so.
Both sides enter this second leg in identical recent form, each having won two and drawn one of their last three outings. HJK broke a two-game winless run by edging past Oulu 1-0, but replicating that kind of narrow victory away from home in a high-stakes European qualifier is a different proposition entirely. Motherwell's direct style could unsettle a Helsinki side that prefers to dictate possession on their own terms.
The home win price at 1.70 offers standalone appeal, while the draw at 3.65 provides a safety net within the double chance framework. Under 2.5 goals at N/A also looks attractive given Motherwell's defensive solidity at Fir Park. Backing the hosts not to lose here carries solid logic rooted in venue advantage and defensive pedigree. Odds correct at time of publication.
Trends to Know about Motherwell vs HJK
- Motherwell: 11 clean sheets in 15 home games
- Aggregate level at 1-1 after first leg
- Motherwell unbeaten in five consecutive matches
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 Tom Sparrow
- 3 Jamie Knight-Lebel
- 4 Martin Moormann
- 5 Emmanuel Longelo
- 6 Lukas Fadinger
- 7 Oscar Priestman
- 8 Willy Vogt
- 9 Matty Booth
- 10 Ibrahim Said
- 11 Tawanda Maswanhise
Absent
- Aston Oxborough (injury)
- R. Callachan (injury)
- Jordan McGhee (injury)
- Stephen O'Donnell (injury)
- Callum Hendry (injury)
- Apostolos Stamatelopoulos (injury)
- Paul McGinn (injury)
- Johnny Koutroumbis (injury)
HJK
Starters
- 1 Dejan Markovic
- 2 Miska Ylitolva
- 3 Ville Tikkanen
- 4 Till Cissokho
- 5 Kaius Simojoki
- 6 Lucas Lingman
- 7 Mouhamed Gueye
- 8 Martin Kirilov
- 9 Santeri Haarala
- 10 Teemu Pukki
- 11 Alfie Cicale
Medium confidence
A mirror matchup of 4-3-3 formations sets the tactical stage at Fir Park, with both sides looking to control the midfield triangle before releasing their front threes. Motherwell's lineup carries a single-source probable tag, while HJK's is backed by multiple outlets, giving the Finnish side's shape slightly more certainty heading into kickoff.
Teemu Pukki is the standout name in this tie, bringing European pedigree to HJK's attack and posing the clearest individual threat. For Motherwell, Tawanda Maswanhise offers pace and directness on the flank that could exploit space in behind HJK's fullbacks if the hosts press high and win the ball quickly.
Motherwell vs HJK: Head-to-Head
Average statistics (recent meetings)
How to Watch Motherwell vs HJK Match?
What time is Motherwell vs HJK?
Motherwell vs HJK kicks off at Fir Park on 13th August 2026 at 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 broadcast details on this Europa Conference League second leg at Fir Park.
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