Bitesize Prediction: Mikkeli vs JaPS – 7/14/23

Competition: Ykkonen

Market: Victory of Mikkeli

Rating: 3/5 @

Wanting to find a way to the top of the Ykkonen leaderboard on Friday afternoon, Mikkeli will host a struggling JaPS at Mikkelin Urheilupuisto.

Starting with the hosts, putting on another frantic display last weekend as they secured an eye-catching 2-1 victory at home to HIFK, Mikkeli has only continued to receive a string of praise since the opening of the 2023 campaign. Knowing that even a single point on Friday afternoon would be enough to see them temporarily pass Gnistan in first place, the mood in Juha Pasoja's camp should be at its highest. Now winning each of their last three domestic encounters on the rebound, the Blues are also in the middle of a nine-game unbeaten streak in all competitions – a streak that dates back to May 17. As well as signing June with a stunning 6-2 game against KaPa, the former JJK boss saw his top-flight side earn a reputation for scoreless performances in the final third. In fact, Mikkeli netted a remarkable 12 strikes from Ykkonen during his three-game winning streak.

When it comes to the visitors, while JaPS could still find themselves leading the race to clinch a top-six spot this season, Jyrki Ahola's men are enduring what has been a long wobble. Although the Jarvenpaa-based side may have been last seen snatching a 2-2 draw from Ekenas, they have not won any of their last seven consecutive domestic appearances in any format - a race that dates back to May 27. With their recent struggles highlighted by a 3-1 routine at the hands of KaPa ahead of the June international break, Friday's guests should face a real challenge when they travel to the Mikkelin Urheiluppuisto this weekend. Without a win from Ykkonen on their travels over the past two months, Ahola should also have a headache over his side's recent troubles against the title contenders. Having lost three of their four previous meetings against Mikkeli, we expect a similar result here.

Bet: Mikkeli 3/5 to beat JaPS in Friday's Battle of Ykkonen @