- AC Oulu are without a win in their last five games (D2, L3), losing their last two (0-4 L at home to HJK, 2-1 L at FF Jaro).
- VPS Vaasan Palloseura have won two and lost only one of their five recent games (W2, D2, L1), winning 5-1 in their most recent away game at IFK Mariehamn.
- VPS have won four of the last eight Veikkausliiga games between the clubs (D2, L2), and won 4-3 at home in the previous meeting in Veikkausliiga 2025 two months ago.
Oulu need to make a mark on the match
AC Oulu can record their first major positive result since the appointment of head coach Mikko Isokangas in September 2024 when they host VPS Vaasan Palloseura in a match that could have a significant impact on both clubs’ mid-table ambitions in Veikkausliiga 2025.
Oulu sit bottom of the table in 12th spot with five points from 12 matches, while VPS are sixth with 18 points from 11.
AC are winless in their five games so far under Isokangas, drawing one and losing four.
The coach has attempted to get his side playing a possession-based game and controlling the ball in midfield. His preferred formations are either 4-3-3 or 4-2-3-1, which prioritises a measured buildup, pressing, and circulation of the ball, but this hasn’t brought much joy in either defence or attack yet.
Julius Koerkkoe stands out for Oulu in the Veikkausliiga 2025 season with two goals in his last three games, but he has provided only rare firepower amid their attacking struggles.
VPS are a more direct side
By contrast, Jussi Nuorela’s VPS have been playing a very different style of football since he took over in June 2021. His philosophy has been to play a pragmatic game of high-tempo transitions, pressing hard and getting forward in numbers when the opportunity arises.
It’s a system that has brought three wins, one draw, and two losses away from home in the league this season, so VPS come into this game with a stronger overall record than AC and in much better form.
Mads Borchers has been on fire for VPS this season, scoring five goals in his six Veikkausliiga appearances, while Olli Jakonen has been in good form recently, scoring three goals in the last five league games to add to VPS’s counter-attacking threat.
Oulu are in a bad way
Although Oulu have won the home game in two of the past three head-to-heads between the teams, they enter this clash in such poor form that we can’t see any other result than an away win.
VPS will have had the better of AC in previous meetings, but the home side’s record at Raatti Stadium isn’t great either, with no wins in their three home games in 2025 (D1, L2).
The bookies have priced the Over 2.5 Goals market at 1.80, while the Under 2.5 Goals market is 1.95. The slight extra value in the Over 2.5 option seems more appealing and fits in with their recent H2H history.
