Tonight’s match is a big one. Not only is it an important one with regard to promotion, but perhaps even more importantly, it has been designated by Sinikaarti as the group’s ten year anniversary match. This should result in a highly motivated team and three points.

The opponent Vesilahden Visa (VesVi) sits at the bottom of the table with just five points from their 18 matches. They have nothing but pride on the line anymore, but based on recent results they have plenty of that. Indeed, throughout the season most of their losses have been by just one or two goals. They are not an altogether bad team, and even TamU-K had to put in a lot of work back in June to emerge with a 2-3 away win in Vesilahti.

Looking at the big picture, getting at least six points in our remaining four matches guarantees promotion for us. Moreover, if we win our away match against ViiPV next Friday, that alone will be enough regardless of other results. In that sense one might be fooled to think that today’s VesVi match is meaningless. However, if we were to not win in Viiala next week, the three points available on this Sunday will be absolutely crucial for us. With only two matches remaining after Viiala, we do not want to face a situation where we might have to win them both. Or on a more optimistic note, if we win today, even a draw in Viiala will be enough for us to be able to celebrate promotion right there and then.

The team has been suffering from a flu epidemic in addition to the usual short-term and long-term injuries. Throughout the week I kept hearing worrisome things from within the team, but right now it seems that we will get a very competitive lineup for this match, containing 14-17 players depending on how a few guys feel before the match. In fact, for a more typical team on this level 14-17 players available would be a great situation. A couple few spots in our starting lineup will be filled by players who would not normally be starters, not in that position at least, but that does not make me too worried.

This confidence does not stem from underestimating the opponent, but rather from thinking that our chances of winning this match depend much more on our concentration and attitude than on which of our players will play tonight. We wont win the match if at kick-off we think we have already done so, but if we approach the match the right way, VesVi should have no chance.

Kick-off is at 6.15 pm at Pyynikki Stadium. The French style hot dogs from Restaurant 4 Vuodenaikaa are back too, so be there early to beat the lines.