Sports Mole previews Saturday’s Swedish Allsvenskan clash between Sirius and IFK Norrkoping, including predictions, team news and possible lineups.
Two teams that have struggled in the early stages of the Swedish Allsvenskan will meet on Saturday as IFK Norrkoping travels to play Sirius.
Both come into this on the backs of difficult runs, leading to them sitting just above the relegation zone.
Match preview
Sirius heads into this weekend after three games without a win, which is a run of form that has seen them fall down the league table into 12th.
The hosts are just two points above the relegation zone at the moment, and even though it is only the early stages of the season the pressure is certainly starting to mount.
Last weekend was a game to forget for Sirius as they were defeated 3-0 by Hammarby in a game where they failed to register a single shot on target.
That has been a problem for Christer Mattiasson‘s men throughout the opening 11 games as only one team has managed to score fewer goals than them, which is a clear area for improvement.
However, Sirius have been weaker in home matches throughout this campaign, picking up just five of their 12 points in front of their fans.
That is something the visitors will be aiming to exploit, especially since a victory for Norrkoping would guarantee they leapfrog their opponents in the league table.
Doing that is important for them considering the club currently sits in the relegation playoff position, and just a single point above the relegation zone completely.
But with only one victory in six away matches so far this season there is a lot of work for Norrkoping to do this weekend if they want to change their current fortunes.
Much like their opponents, Andreas Alm‘s men come into this game on the back of a heavy defeat as they lost 4-0 against Varnamo which extended their run without a win to five matches.
It also exemplified Norrkoping’s biggest problem, which is the defensive side of the game. Having conceded 27 goals already this season, the visitors boast the worst defensive record in the league, which is an issue that will need resolving should they wish to start climbing the table.
Sirius Swedish Allsvenskan form:
IFK Norrkoping Swedish Allsvenskan form:
Team News
Sirius will be able to welcome Leo Walta back into the squad following his suspension, and he could be put straight back into the starting lineup this weekend.
Daniel Stensson was brought back into the team last weekend after a break due to concussion protocol, and he will be expected to keep his place in the team.
However, one player the hosts will be without is Joakim Persson, as he is expected to be out for a little while longer due to a knee injury.
The visitors are also dealing with a plethora of injuries at the moment, with Jacob Ortmark out of action due to an anterior cruciate ligament injury.
While the midfielder is expected to be returning in June, this game could prove to be too soon. That is also the case for Kristoffer Khazeni, who is nearing a return to full fitness.
Sirius possible starting lineup:
Nilsson; Murbeck, Castegren, Jeng, Widgren; Wikman, Stensson; Sjogrell, Heier, Milleskog; Salech
IFK Norrkoping possible starting lineup:
Sidklev; Jensen, Abrahamsson, Calisir, Heggem; Odefalk, Fritzson, Waker; Andersson, Vasic, Christensen
We say: Sirius 1-1 IFK Norrkoping
This game features two teams with very little confidence or momentum, and that is likely going to be reflected in the quality of football on display.
Both will be cautious, as losing this game is something neither can afford at this early stage which could lead to a draw being played out.
For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.
