IFK Norrköping vs Malmö FF Prediction: The defending champions look ready for a win

The Allsvenskan kicks off with an enticing matchup as Malmo faces Norrkoping in a replay of their Svenska Cupen Quarter Finals clash. This time, they meet at the PlatinumCars Arena on Saturday. Below are previews, predicted starting lineups, expert betting tips, and odds.

Norrkoping's performance in the previous season was marked by a promising start followed by a disappointing finish, as they hovered around European qualification spots for much of the campaign. However, a dismal run towards the end, with seven losses in their last ten matches, saw them plummet to 9th place in the final standings. This decline dashed their hopes of European football for the following season.

In an effort to turn things around, Norrkoping made a coaching change during the break, appointing Andreas Alm as their new head coach effective January 1st, 2024. Alm brings a wealth of experience from previous coaching stints at AIK, Vejle, Hacken, and Odense. Notably, he clinched a trophy with Hacken in the Cup during the 2018/19 season.

Despite the coaching change, Norrkoping's form in the Cup hasn't been convincing, with just one victory in four matches. The team will be without Kevin Höög Jansson, who missed the previous four Cup games due to injury, and Jacob Ortmark, who continues to recover from a long-term injury. These absences may pose challenges for Norrkoping as they strive to make a positive start under their new coach in the upcoming match.

Malmo's triumph in the previous season's Allsvenskan was nothing short of thrilling, as they clinched the title in a dramatic final round showdown against Elfsborg. Despite trailing behind Elfsborg for much of the season, Malmo managed to overtake them in a direct head-to-head duel in the last round. Both teams finished the season with equal points, but Malmo's superior goal difference secured them their 23rd league title.

The current season started on a positive note for Malmo, particularly in the Cup, where they have advanced to the Finals against Djurgarden. With their strong performance in the Cup and their past success in the league, Malmo is considered the primary favorite for another title this season.

However, for their upcoming clash, Malmo will have to navigate without the services of Daniel Tristan Gudjohnsen, and Anton Tinnerholm, who are sidelined with injuries.

IFK Norrkoping: Oscar Jansson, Daniel Eid, Max Watson, Anton Eriksson, Yahya Kalley, Dino Salihovic, Arnor Ingvi Traustason, Carl Bjork, Vito Hammershøj-Mistrati, Laorent Shabani, Christoffer Nyman.

Malmö FF: Johan Dahlin, Jens Larsen, Niklas Moisander, Pontus Jansson, Busanello, Lasse Berg Johnsen, Sergio Peña, Sebastian Jørgensen, Sebastian Nanasi, Erik Botheim, Isaac Kiese Thelin.

Malmo have scored at least two goals in four of the last five head-to-head games. Additionally, three of Norrkoping's four competitive games this season have seen goals at both ends. Therefore, I expect both sides to find the back of the net in this clash. However, I am putting my money on the defending champions to secure a win.

• BTTS for 1.80 odds
• HT: W2 for 1.90 odds
• Over 2.5 for 1.65 odds