HJK braced for tough challenge

'Strong challengers'
However, HJK coach Keith Armstrong expects a tougher competition this year, with a host of clubs looking to close the gap on the 2003 double winners. "As title holders we can't aim for anything less, but there are many strong challengers this season," he said.

Injury doubts
Armstrong has not been helped by a series of injuries to key personnel in pre-season, and he warned that his side may take a while to find their form. "It has been a bit difficult. Several key players have been injured but they are returning little by little."

Grönlund signs
HJK have strengthened their squad with the signing of former Finnish international midfielder Tommi Grönlund, 33, from Helsingborgs IF, but have otherwise been quiet on the transfer front. FC Haka, runners-up last time around, four points adrift, also begin the campaign with an ostensibly unchanged squad.

Tampere aiming high
Tampere United are considerably stronger, though, and the addition of Finnish internationals Jarkko Wiss, who returns to Tampere from Hibernian FC, and Antti Pohja, from Hammarby, could prove the key to Tampere reclaiming the title they last won in 2001.

Allianssi promise
AC Allianssi could be the season's surprise package after impressing in pre-season and winning the Finnish League Cup by beating FC Lahti on Sunday. Coach Ari Tiittanen has a good mixture of youth and experience and his team are expected to improve on last year's sixth-placed finish.

Mäkelä takes charge
There have also been changes at Myllykosken Pallo-47, where Ilkka Mäkelä has replaced the long-serving Juha Malinen as coach, and it would be foolish to rule out either FC International Turku or Lahti from the title chase.

Litmanen lifts Lahti
Inter Turku had a catastrophic start last season, but recovered to finish in mid-table, and coach Kari Virtanen insists his players will not make the same mistakes. Lahti, already a young and talented team, received the biggest boost of all last month when Jari Litmanen, Finland's greatest player, returned to his native city from AFC Ajax; the veteran could yet have what it takes to take Lahti to the top.

Mid-table targets
FF Jaro and FC TPS Turku were mid-table last season and both are expected to stay out of the relegation battle this time as well, while FC Hämeenlinna begin their second campaign under Ville Lyytikäinen also aiming for safety.

Relegation battle
Veikkausliiga newcomers Tornion Pallo-47 and RoPS Rovaniemi have shown positive signs in pre-season, but may struggle as they adapt to life in the top flight. A number of recent signings should ensure that coach Janne Hyppönen keeps FC KooTeePee up just months after taking the disbanded FC Jokerit's place in the division. Despite FC Jazz's continued financial problems, few would bet against their survival prospects.

Opening round
Inter Turku are at home to Allianssi on Thursday, with the remainder of the league programme concluding the following day, champions HJK starting their season away to TPS.