Malmö vs Hammarby Prediction: The hosts are the favorites

Malmö and Hammarby will face off at the Eleda Stadion on Sunday for the second round of the Sweden Allsvenskan. Both sides secured a win in their first game of the season. Who will come out on top in this second round? Below are previews, head-to-head statistics, expert betting tips, and odds.

Malmö began their title defense with an impressive 5-1 away victory against Norrkoping last weekend. Goals from Isaac Kiese Thelin, Erik Botheim, Sebastian Nanasi, Soren Rieks, and Stefano Vecchia sealed the win for Malmö, while Isak Sigurdeirsson scored a late consolation goal for IFK Norrkoping. Malmö have now scored at least two goals in all five competitive games they have played this season. As a result of this victory, Malmö currently sit at the top of the league standings. However, Malmö will be without Daniel Tristan Gudjohnsen and Anton Tinnerholm for their upcoming match due to injuries.

Hammarby secured a 3-1 victory against Kalmar in their first game of the season. Nahir Besara opened the scoring in the 14th minute, followed by an own goal by Rasmus Sjostedt that extended Hammarby's lead just three minutes later. Although Melker Hallberg reduced the deficit for Kalmar in the 25th minute, Jusaf Erabi, who came off the bench, sealed the victory for Hammarby. This win propelled Hammarby to fifth place in the table with three points. Unfortunately for Hammarby, Dennis Collander remains sidelined due to injury.

In the last 38 head-to-head games between Malmo and Hammarby, Malmo have won 18 times, while Hammarby have won on 11 occasions, with 9 matches ending in draws. Their most recent encounter took place in September 2023, where Malmo secured a 3-1 away victory over Hammarby.

I am backing Malmo to win this game based on their recent record against Hammarby, where they have been unbeaten in the last five head-to-head games, with three wins. Malmo have conceded goals in their last three home matches. Furthermore, Malmo have been strong in attack, scoring 5 goals in their opening match and at least 3 goals in their last two encounters against Hammarby. On the other hand, Hammarby's matches in all competitions this season have seen goals scored by both teams.

Therefore, considering Malmo's recent dominance in this fixture and their attacking prowess, along with Hammarby's tendency to concede and score goals, Malmo look like a solid choice to come out on top in this game.

• HT: W1 for 1.80 odds
• Over 3 for 1.93 odds
• BTTS for 1.80 odds