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HJK Helsinki invite LASK to Sonera Stadium in UEFA Europa Conference League action on Thursday.
In the inaugural edition of the competition, HJK and LASK are drawn with Alashkert and Maccabi Tel Aviv in Group A.
The home side earned a place in the competition via direct entry after losing 6-2 to Fenerbahce in the UEFA Europa League playoffs. LASK had to fight off St. Johnstone's challenge in a two-legged playoff last month.
LASK have been a regular participant in UEFA competitions while this will be the first appearance for the hosts in a UEFA competition since the 2014-15 campaign.
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HJK vs LASK Head-to-Head
The two clubs have never met each other in a competitive fixture. HJK have taken on Austrian opponents twice so far and managed to remain unbeaten against Rapid Vienna with a win and a draw.
HJK form guide (all competitions): D-L-W-L-W
LASK form guide (all competitions): L-W-L-W-D
HJK vs LASK Team News
HJK
Atomu Tanaka continues to be the only injury concern for the home side. He has played 21 games this year but suffered a serious knee injury in the first half of the season.
Injured: Atomu Tanaka
Doubtful: None
Suspended: None
LASK
Andreas Gruber, Tobias Lawal, Philipp Wiesinger and Alexander Schmidt are sidelined with injuries for the Austrian side. Gruber suffered a torn cruciate ligament in February and is still in recovery.
Schmidt became the latest casualty for Die Laskler as he picked up a muscle strain in the game before the international break. He is expected to be ruled out for at least four weeks.
Christoph Monschein was on the bench in their 2-0 loss at home to Austria Wien and is expected to start the game.
Injured: Andreas Gruber, Tobias Lawal, Philipp Wiesinger, Alexander Schmidt
Doubtful: None
Suspended: None
HJK vs LASK Predicted XI
HJK Predicted XI (4-3-3): Jakob Tannander; Janne Saksela, Valtteri Moren, Luis Carlos Murillo, Daniel O'Shaughnessy; Jair, Lucas Lingman, Santeri Hostikka; David Browne, Filip Valencic, Roope Riski
LASK Predicted XI (3-4-3): Alexander Schlager; James Holland, Felix Luckeneder, Jan Boller; Rene Renner, Peter Michorl, Hyun-Seok Hong, Florian Flecker; Thomas Goiginger, Mamoudou Karamoko, Husein Balic
HJK vs LASK Prediction
HJK have been in great form in Veikkausliiga and have lost just one game in 19 outings. They are unbeaten at home in league fixtures.
LASK have just one win to their name in league fixtures and have scored just five times in seven games. They will likely struggle against the in-form hosts. We expect the Finnish side to secure a home win.
Prediction: HJK 2-1 LASK
