Markus Kitunen takes a look at HJK's prospects for 2010.

By all accounts HJK are by far the biggest favourite to win the Veikkausliiga title in 2010. Honka and Inter obviously fancy their chances but while the former have weakened and the latter are still regrouping after a disappointing season, HJK have come out stronger from the transfer market.

In the run-up to my Massive Season Preview 2010 (to be published very, very soon), I thought I'd start off with the conventional random predictions and pre-emptive awards for the upcoming season.

As I don't want to spoil the enormous excitement surrounding who I will deem worthy of champion elect status, I'll focus on other, more important things in this space.

Calling the champion is tougher than usual. HJK were clear favorites last year and duly took what they should have. This year is different, though. Honka is right in the mix.

Glancing at the teams on a piece of paper, it seems like a foregone conclusion. Then you remember HJK is going through a rash of injuries, possibly the faces loss of key players Medo and Dawda Bah in the summer and entrusts its engine room to a pair of crusty old guys (Janne Saarinen, Aki Riihilahti) who can't stay fit.

Photo by Tero Wester

Last year's championship-winning manager has taken a good deal of stick in his time. His Finland side underachieved, and at HJK he has been criticised for caution and a lack of imagination. This picture captures him seemingly in the midst of the TPS players at the League Cup game played on Friday 5 March.

By all accounts HJK are by far the biggest favourite to win the Veikkausliiga title in 2010. Honka and Inter obviously fancy their chances but while the former have weakened and the latter are still regrouping after a disappointing season, HJK have come out stronger from the transfer market.