FC Lahti vs AC Oulu Prediction 14.07.2024

• Competition: Finland - Veikkausliiga
• Date: Sunday, 14th, July 2024
• Kickoff: 16:30 UK / 17.30 CEST
• Venue: Lahden Stadion (Lahti)

Two teams enduring sluggish starts to the 2024 Veikkausliiga campaign will lock horns on Sunday afternoon, as Lahti hosts AC Oulu at Lahden Stadion.

While they managed to stave off relegation in the previous two league campaigns, it seems Lahti's 13-year tenure in the top division is in serious jeopardy this time around, as evidenced by their poor record of just one win from the first 14 matches. As the lone side still stuck in single-digit points, accumulating a meager nine on their tally, FC Lahti rightfully occupies the bottom spot, but a triumphant display in this weekend's contest could lift them off the foot of the Veikkausliiga table.

Since being promoted back to the top division as Ykkonen champions in 2020, AC Oulu have perennially finished in the red half of the standings in every following seasons, with the current campaign appearing to maintain this trend unchanged. In spite of facing adversity earlier in the season, the Navy Blues have turned the tide with a commendable haul of five points from their last four Veikkausliiga outings, lifting them from the brink of relegation to a secure 10th place.

FC Lahti vs AC Oulu Betting Tips: BTTS

It's truly difficult to determine the winner of this showdown between two relegation-threatened duos, but as both will be looking for the precious three points, we imagine an entertaining and goal-filled contest. Although their backline has been giving them headaches, conceding twice or more in nine straight matches across all competitions, the Navy Blues will be confident of finding themselves on the scoresheet for the third home match on the spin, fueled by their recent scoring spree of five goals in their past two clashes at Lahden against Gnistan (3-3) and Ilves (2-2). 

Offering some solace to the hosts this weekend, AC Oulu are facing similar struggles in their defensive ranks, as they have yet to shut out any opponent in their seven appearances in the top flight, conceding a total of 18 goals during this stretch. Last season's all three match-ups between these sides saw goals on both ends, and that trend has carried over into the current campaign, as they played out a stunning four-goal stalemate just a month ago. Ultimately, we reckon both Lahti and AC Oulu will be skilled enough in front of goal to see the nets bulge on both ends in what promises to be a goal-rich contest.