VPS vs HJK Helsinki - Veikkausliiga

All eyes turn to the home ground on May 22, 2026 as VPS welcome HJK Helsinki in a Veikkausliiga encounter that promises tension, intrigue and no shortage of subplot. United could come up against Garnacho once again this forthcoming season, with United scheduled to face Villa on November 7 at Old Trafford, before the return visit to Villa Park on January 16.

There is plenty riding on this Veikkausliiga encounter for VPS and HJK Helsinki alike, and neither will want to leave the home ground empty-handed. VPS have held their own of late, LWLWL in their last five reflecting a steady win rate of 40.91%. HJK Helsinki travel in decent nick, WLWWL in their last five and a win rate of 50% this season. One side has leaned on a miserly defence, the other on a free-scoring attack, and the meeting of those contrasting strengths promises an intriguing tactical subtext. Carrick spoke to the media before his captain was seen limping, but did explain why he didn't take him off despite the commanding position his team were in.

Set-piece efficiency and transition play often decide fixtures of this nature, and both managers will have been drilling those phases on the training ground. The Germany club were said to be looking for an out-and-out striker to allow Harry Kane to play a deeper role, and made an approach for Sesko in 2024.

The fixture features no shortage of talent, and the league's top marksman H. Sjögrell — 6 goals this term — will be one to watch. Whoever wins the individual duel between the two sides' chief playmakers is likely to dictate the rhythm and, ultimately, the destination of the points. The Premier League champions have been looking for a new defender with William Saliba out for an extended period of time and Jurrien Timber also sidelined with a long-term groin problem.

Predictions are tricky when the sides are this evenly matched, and small margins — a moment of quality, a slice of luck — could decide it either way. A share of the spoils looks the most probable outcome, with neither side holding a decisive edge — a 2-2 draw feels like a fitting result. The ramifications of this result could ripple through the Veikkausliiga standings for weeks to come, regardless of who comes out on top. The team currently most likely to win the 2026 WNBA Finals according to Opta.