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FK Panevezys welcome HJK Helsinki to the Aukstaitijos Stadium for the first leg of their UEFA Champions League first qualifying round tie on Tuesday. The home side booked their spot at this stage as Lithuanian A Lyga champions while HJK qualified as Finnish Veikkausliiga champions.
Panevezys are coming into the game on the back of a 1-0 defeat yo Hegelmann at the same venue in the league last week. Artem Shchedryi's 81st-minute strike proved to be the difference between the two sides.
HJK, meanwhile, suffered a harrowing 3-0 defeat away to Ilves on Saturday. Jeona Veteli, Santeri Haarala and Roope Riski all scored to help their side claim maximum points.
Toni Korkeakunnas' side will turn their focus back to the continent, where Panevezys stand in their way. The winner of this tie will face Polish champions Jagiellonia in the second round of the qualifiers.
Panevezys vs HJK Head-to-Head and Key Numbers
- This will be the first meeting between the two sides.
- Six of HJK's last seven competitive games have produced three goals or more.
- Four of Panevezys' last five games have seen one side fail to find the back of the net.
- Five of HJK's last seven continental games have witnessed goals at both ends.
- Panevezys are competing in the UEFA Champions League for the first time in their history.
- HJK's last seven games have produced an average of 12.4 corner kicks.
Panevezys vs HJK Prediction
Panevezys are making history by competing in Europe's premier club football tournament for the first time ever. They have had a meteoric rise since their formation in 2015, culminating in their maiden league triumph last season.
HJK might not be heavyweights on the continent but the Finns are vastly more experienced than their hosts. They participated in the UEFA Champions League group stage way back in the 1998-99 season and also made it to the group stage of the UEFA Europa Conference League last term.
Panevezys have not had the best preparation for this game, having lost their last two league games on the bounce. Although one side could nick a win, we are backing the two sides to share the spoils in a low-scoring stalemate.
Prediction: Panevezys 1-1 HJK
Panevezys vs HJK Betting Tips
Tip 1 - Result: Draw
Tip 2 - Both teams to score
Tip 3 - Over 1.5 goals
Tip 4 - Over 9.5 corner kicks
