Soccer Uefa Champions League: Though local bookmakers have made Drogheda United a remarkable 8 to 1 to win at the Finnair Stadium tonight, there is quiet confidence about the team here in Helsinki, augmented by Sami Ristila's inside knowledge of the opposition.

HJK have won 21 domestic titles and this is their 26th time in Europe, but they are having a mediocre season, lying seventh in the table.

"Having watched a DVD of their recent game against Haka, the reaction of the boys is that we have a fair chance," says Drogheda midfielder-cum-striker Ristila, a twice-capped Finland international.

"The tempo of the game is a lot slower and they try to pass the ball more," said Ristila of the Finns.

"Tackles won't fly in like they do in Ireland. It's not that physical and I think we have a good chance from set-pieces."

While the HJK manager, Keith Armstrong, watched Drogheda beat St Patrick's Athletic 2-1 on Friday night, Ristila believes Finnish complacency stems from HJK's comfortable win over Linfield in their last clash with an Irish side in Europe.

"They beat Linfield a few years ago so they might relate us to them," said Ristila. "We are a better side than Linfield and play a different type of football . . . so I think that might surprise (HJK)."

Drogheda manager Paul Doolin reports no injuries but won't name his side until near kick-off.

HJK Helsinki v Drogheda Utd, Finnair Stadium, 5pm (Irish)