FF Jaro and IFK Mariehamn sit at the foot of the Veikkausliiga relegation round with 17 points each after 25 matches, well clear of SJK on 24 and facing direct relegation or a November play-off against the Ykkösliiga runner-up. Both sides carry dismal goal differences (-28 and -27) and have collected minimal points from their opening relegation-round fixtures, while mid-table sides like TPS and Ilves maintain safer buffers above the drop zone. The split format after the regular season means the bottom pair play each other and the teams immediately above in a compressed schedule running into early November, amplifying the impact of any late results or momentum shifts. Recent form and defensive frailties continue to shape trader views on which clubs ultimately drop to the second tier for 2027.