Today our season makes a shift as we play our first competitive match of the season at our second home field Kaukajärvi. Last time we played there competitively, the result was 14-1, but nothing of the sort can be expected this time. The occasion is the Finnish Regions’ Cup third round match against LeKi-futis, a team that plays one division above us in Nelonen.

In addition to a spot among the last 32 teams in the competition, the goal is to get our first win in a competitive match against a team from a higher division. This is only our third attempt: the first one was our first ever competitive match against KaVo last year and the second one was the Finnish Cup second round match in February this year. We were much closer on our second attempt, and now against LeKi I’m even more optimistic about our chances than I was back then.

The fact that the field in Kaukajärvi is significantly bigger than the one in Pyynikki should work in our favor. Our team likes to control the ball and move it around the field, and there will be much more room for that. This should open up passing lanes, and also in the much wider Kaukajärvi field, our wing play should be much easier than in Pyynikki. It seems that so far the only way to find open space in which to make match changing decisions has been to wear the opponent out by relentless ball control, and score the goals needed towards the end of the match. This should now change.

For the first time we have both Anssi Saiha and Jesse Kupiainen available. Both are creative midfielders, and I would be excited to see them together in the midfield above Joonas Kupiainen who will surely take the bottom midfielder role. This trio should be able to provide lethal service to the likes of Jacin Dakkaki and Mika Kytöviita up top.

In defense we are expected to have a more usual line than was planned a week ago, as Timo Kauppinen is back and will probably pair up with Juha Kumara in the center. Fullback positions likely go to Antti Eijamo and Alaa Adeeb, unless the newcomer Osku Airesto gets the nod. Ahmed Lakra and Otto Pitkänen are still out with their respective injuries.

In goal we will see the debut of Kalle Heltonen as Ilkka Innola was unable to get time off work for this match. Personally I have 100 per cent confidence in him, even if the choice between first and second goalie is clear. Indeed, it is great to see Heltonen in action finally, and I’m also happy on his behalf for the chance he got for this match.

The match kicks off at 4 pm sharp at Kaukajärvi. Should be an exciting one! LeKi was the only team that managed to beat us in our eight preseason training matches. The score was 2-1 in the match played in Valkeakoski. Now it is time to pay back in a match whose result actually matters.