Jaro and SJK Set for Tight Battle

Finnish Veikkausliiga action continues late on Friday night as Jaro host SJK. Both sides have struggled badly this season and neither looks convincing enough to take all three points, so this matchup could be headed for a draw.

After 16 league matches, Jaro have recorded 2 wins, 6 draws and 8 defeats, leaving them second from bottom on 12 points. Their biggest issue has been at the back, with an average of 2 goals conceded per game. That said, compared with their earlier losing run, Jaro's recent form has improved, as they are unbeaten in their last two league matches with 1 win and 1 draw.

It is also worth noting that Jaro have relied heavily on home form for points this season, with 83.3% of their total coming on home soil. Against an SJK side viewed as being on a similar level, Jaro's first priority will be to hold on to at least a point.

Like Jaro, SJK have also endured a disappointing campaign so far, with just two more points than their opponents. Their away form has been poor as well, with only 1 win from 8 away matches, while the other 7 produced 3 draws and 4 defeats.

In terms of current form, the attack led by K. Paananen has been out of sorts, failing to score in each of the last two league rounds, both of which SJK lost. Morale is clearly low. Still, SJK have had the upper hand in this fixture, posting 4 wins, 1 draw and 1 defeat in their last 6 meetings with Jaro in all competitions. With that edge, they should be capable of avoiding defeat in this trip.