FF Jaro face IFK Mariehamn on Saturday evening in the final round of the Veikkausliiga. With both sides sitting at the bottom of the table on just four points, this match represents a final chance to climb off the foot of the standings, even if the wider league context is already settled. Neither team has managed a league victory yet this season, making this a battle of pride on Jaro's own patch.
FF Jaro Form & Analysis
Jens Karlsson's side have endured a difficult campaign, propping up the division in 12th place. Jaro are without a win in their last eight matches in all competitions, with their last victory coming back in February during the Liigacup. Their recent run of results has been particularly bruising, suffering three consecutive away defeats without scoring a single goal. Their most recent outing on Wednesday ended in a comprehensive 3-0 defeat at Kuopion Palloseura, where they struggled to create anything of note, registering an xG of just 0.30.
Fatigue is likely to be a major factor for the hosts. A congested schedule has stretched Karlsson's squad, and playing their second game in four days will test their physical limits. However, returning to home turf offers some comfort. Jaro have drawn two of their three home league fixtures this season, including a respectable 1-1 draw against Kuopion Palloseura and a 2-2 draw with TPS. They will view this final fixture as their best opportunity to finally secure three points.
IFK Mariehamn Form & Analysis
IFK Mariehamn find themselves just one place above their hosts in 11th, also sitting on four points. Gary Williams' men have also failed to win a league game this season, with their winless run now stretching to seven matches. Unlike Jaro, however, Mariehamn come into this fixture on a modest two-game unbeaten run. They secured consecutive 1-1 draws, first away at FC Lahti and most recently at home against Kuopion Palloseura, where Anttoni Huttunen scored just before half-time to cancel out an early opener.
While Mariehamn showed resilience in that draw against KuPS, they were heavily outshot 23 to 3 and conceded an xG of 2.55. Their away form has also been poor, picking up just a single point from three road trips while scoring only once. With an eye on an upcoming cup fixture, Williams may decide to manage his squad's minutes, which could take some of the intensity out of their performance in this final league fixture.
## Head-to-Head
The recent history between these two teams suggests a competitive but disciplined matchup. In their last ten meetings, there have been fewer than five cards shown, pointing to clean encounters. The most recent clash in September 2025 saw Mariehamn edge a five-goal thriller 3-2 at Jaro, but Jaro did secure a 2-0 away win earlier that same year.
We Predict: Home Win
With both teams already relegated and the motivation levels expected to be low, this match could come down to who can make the most of home advantage. Jaro are tired, but Mariehamn's potential distraction with their upcoming cup game and their dismal away record of one goal in three games makes them vulnerable.
Jaro's home performances have been slightly more encouraging than their away form, and they will want to sign off the league campaign with a positive result for their home supporters. The xG projection favours the home side at 1.5 to 1.0. We are backing a home win here at 1.95273, with a 2-1 correct score looking like a likely outcome for this final-day encounter.
