Veikkausliiga 2009 preview!!

by **TampereOwl** » Wed Apr 15, 2009 5:26 pm

http://www.nordicfootball.info/category ... 9-preview/

**Sponsor:**

by **Johnny K** » Thu Aug 20, 2009 9:50 pm

I know threads on Finnish football usually draw a feeble reaction but what are you making of IFK Mariehamn this season T-Owl?

I'm predicting that if IFk beat TPS on saturday they will go on to win the league. Several reasons. There are no outstanding teams in the league this year from what I've seen & no-one has been able to break away. IFK are traditionally strong in the downhill part of the season & have started to turn their draws into wins. If they can avoid injuries they have a very good first XI.

Lastly a totally personal reason. I am at a wedding on saturday so will miss the match. I am also likely to miss the next 2 home matches as I will be back in London. The last time that happened they won promotion to the top flight & I missed Mariehamn's biggest football party.

by **penelope** » Fri Aug 21, 2009 9:35 am

If....

Honka also plays TPS (away) next weekend. Big "if" there too

but I think they could win their other two games (JJK and FC Inter at home).

Close finish.

by **TampereOwl** » Fri Aug 21, 2009 12:23 pm

Pant-wettingly exciting to have responses on a Veikkausliiga thread!

Johnny: I think IFK are one of the best teams in the league, and they will hopefully qualify for Europe. If they had a striker I'd unhesitatingly agree with you, but as it is I think they'll struggle a bit to kick on. Tepsi are the team to beat, especially as they've gotten Wayne Brown back till the end of the season, and I think they will probably have a bit too much for everyone else. I hesitate to write HJK off completely, but they really don't seem to have anything to offer now.

A top three of IFK, TPS and Honka would be fantastic to see, but I fear one of them will miss out to Klubi.

by **Johnny K** » Fri Aug 21, 2009 10:02 pm

I agree with you about the striker situation TO. 5 goals from 3 strikers is not good enough. On the other hand all 3 have played pretty well imo, & if one could take off.....

Otherwise IFK have made me proud this season. Gruborovics has had some real Trevor Brooking moments, Simunac has been class, Olofsson & Carlsson have really excelled in the engine department, taking some of the pressure off the ever consistent Niskala & the back 4 & goalie have been excellent. Even Amos Ekhalie is beginning to show the promise he has always had.

Was hoping they might bring in a striker this transfer window & really go for it but they haven't so far. Unfortunately I don't get to see enough of the other sides which is why I don't comment so much on the league but I know everyone here was hoping Brown's loan wouldn't get extended. (Is there a MotD type programme btw? A weekly round-up?)

It should be a big night, & a big crowd is expected even though rain is predicted. I'm even contemplating sneaking away from the wedding for a couple of hours!

I was putting out a teaser when suggesting they will win the league but I do have a track record of missing my clubs big moments. I was working on the ferries when WHU reached the cup final in 2006 & was working back in England when IFK got promoted!

by **Johnny K** » Mon Sep 21, 2009 1:55 am