Verdict: AH Malmo (-2.5)
Greatest odds: 5/4
Bookmaker: ZetBet
After failing to qualify for the UEFA Champions League group stage for the reason that 2021/2022 season, Sweden’s heavyweights, Malmo, are nicely positioned to return on the best stage of membership soccer. Dealing with what is taken into account by many a simple process, the hosts welcome Faroe Island champions, Klaksvik within the first leg of the Champions League’s quarter-finals qualification battle. The sport can be performed Tuesday evening at Eleda Stadion in entrance of greater than 20, 000 followers who’re eager to see their favourites take benefit earlier than travelling to Faroe Islands subsequent week.
Malmo
Following a powerful marketing campaign the earlier season that culminated with Malmo clinching their twenty third League title by edging Elfsborg at purpose distinction, the hosts are in pole place to retain their Swedish champions crown. Beginning their championship battle with a press release away win at Norrkoping (1-5), Malmo maintained a excessive tempo throughout the whole season.
Regardless of dominating the home competitors with six consecutive wins within the first rounds, The Sky Blue surrendered at everlasting foe stadium, Elfsborg, in a spectacular thriller that ended 3-1. Though this fall was anticipated to rock the ship, Malmo bounced again in nice fashion by hammering IFK Goteborg away from house (0-3), proving the present champions are nonetheless the staff to beat.
But, after failing to make a powerful impression away from house after shedding a pair of video games in Sweden’s high flight, Malmo has an ideal house file with seven wins and 22 targets scored. This purple patch will probably prolong within the Champions League because the Swedish giants are tipped to destroy the Faroe Island facet.
Henryk Rydstrom has reworked Malmo since taking cost again in December 2022, guiding Malmo to a championship title gained in his first season on the helm. Moreover, the Swedish coach’s final purpose is to convey his facet into the Champions League group stage, with an anticipated semifinal conflict in opposition to Greek Champions, PAOK, seeking to be the following take a look at.
Workforce Information
Having proficient and beneficial gamers within the squad, Henryk Rydstrom has sufficient options to exchange the 2 injured gamers who is not going to characteristic in opposition to Klaksvik. Whereas younger centre-forward Daniel Gudjohnsen is nearing a return after a 12 months of absence, defensive midfielder Oscar Lewicki will not be anticipated to hitch the staff quickly following a cruciate ligament tear suffered in early 2024.
Klaksvik
Klaksvik rise in European soccer began 4 years in the past when the Faroe Islands facet had some good outcomes in opposition to high sides from Europe. Though the guests had been shut to creating it to the Champions League final qualification around the earlier season, Klaksvik needed to settle finally for a Convention League group section participation.
Regardless of being knocked out by Molde within the Champions League and Sheriff Tiraspol within the Europa League, the guests made historical past by reaching the group section of a European competitors. Nevertheless, whereas this efficiency was spectacular, Klaksvik completed final in a tricky Convention League group alongside Lille, Slovan Bratislava and Olimpija Ljubljana.
But, final season’s European marketing campaign raised Espen Hauge’s staff stage after succeeding this time period to knockout within the Dundelange within the first spherical. Though the competition was tight, Klaksvik progressed by edging the Luxembourg facet (2-0 on mixture).
Whereas blazing domestically after dropping a single recreation this marketing campaign, the Faroe Islands facet didn’t make a press release on the street by shedding three video games in eight rounds. Dealing with the Swedish Champions can be one other tough process, as avoiding defeat at Eleda Stadion could be a miracle. Nevertheless, for the reason that second leg can be performed in entrance of their followers, Klaksvik goals to maintain the tie open for the return match.
Workforce Information
Scoring the double that secured development to the second qualifying spherical, in-form left-winger Arni Frederiksberg is eager to strike once more. Whereas the defensive output was wonderful within the doubleheader in opposition to Differdange with out conceding in additional than 180 minutes, Klaksvik’s again line will face a harder take a look at in opposition to Malmo’s attacking prowess.
Key elements to think about
- Malmo gained all of their final seven video games performed at Eleda Stadion
- The hosts scored 10 targets within the earlier three video games
- The Sky Blue was final seen rising victorious at Sirius following an thrilling thriller (3-4 last rating)
- Klaksvik knocked out Differdange earlier spherical (2-0 on mixture)
- The guests gained 9 of their final 12 aggressive video games
Conclusion
With all weapons blazing, Malmo is predicted to provide a cushty win. Though Klaksvik escaped the bullet in opposition to Differdange, the guests’s line of defense is predicted to take a serious hit.
Verdict: AH Malmo (-2.5)
Greatest odds: 5/4
Bookmaker: ZetBet
