Matchday one starts with one of the big fixtures, champions HJK starting the defence of their title with a trip to Turku, at last season's runners-up Inter. This game is on Monday 15th April, live on Kutonen, but has caused some grievance. HJK fans Klubipääty are upset that they only have one away game (so far) scheduled for a Saturday, and the game is still due to clash with the tie between JJK and Jaro.
Klubipääty (and other HJK fans) vs Turku in 2012
Week 11 will see the first clash between two teams who are likely to be at the lower end of the table. Jaro entertain the returning RoPS on Saturday June 1st. Both teams have gone through a lot of change already, Jaro have lost Jussi Aalto and Heikki Aho while RoPS are trying to strengthen for their return, including signing Antti Okkonen from HJK. The fixture list means that Jaro get a slight advantage - the teams play three times, and Jaro are at home twice.
New RoPS man Antti Okkonen has to travel to Jaro twice
Troubled Honka start their Europa League campaign in the second qualifying round on Thursday 18th July. By a quirk of fate, their next opponents are at home to the team they beat in the 2012 cup final, KuPS. Honka's close season have seen the potential to be kicked out of the Veikkausliiga (and Europe), and their captain and star midfielder arguing about breaches of contract. Tammilehto is due to move to TPS, and the club have been very quiet. KuPS have seen several changes too, losing key defenders but bringing in Gambian internation Omar Colley.
Less Finnish Joey Barton, more Finnish Derek Zoolander
The return to domestic action after the early September internationals will feature Lahti's visit to Inter. Lahti ended 2012 in fantastic form, almost challenging for a European spot after their return to the top flight. They have made some splendid signings, including the coup of Joni Kauko from Inter after his contract expired. Lahti will have minimum ambitions of a top finish, and even Europe. The trip to Inter will be a big test of their medal credentials.
Signing of 2013 so far?
The final day of the season will be played on Saturday October 26th (unless one of the European representatives makes it to a group stage, in which it'll move to Sunday 27th). It's heavily tipped that HJK will be crowned champions in their home match against KuPS - unless things get very interesting. HJK's transfer dealings have seen them prioritise experienced Finnish players, bringing back Mikael Forssell and Teemu Tainio. As noted in a previous blog, a fifth consecutive league title will be a minimum. The Sonera stadium will be almost certainly the place to be...
Will HJK be leaving KuPS behind to claim the gold?
A full list of fixtures is here, with potential changes and major events (Europe, internationals). I'll compile a more user-friendly version prior to the start of the season.
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