Falkenbergs v AIK – Sweden Allsvenskan Betting Preview + Prediction
20 May 2016, Falkenbergs IP, 17:00
20 May 2016, Falkenbergs IP, 17:00
Falkenberg conceded 4 goals in the last round at home and lost the game. The loss means that they’re still in last place and that the gap with the teams above them has increased. Falkenberg are in need of a win but will have a tough assignment in front of them facing an AIK that are strengthened from a derby win.H. Araba is going to miss this one due to suspension. His partner up front Z. Krizanovic was subbed off in the last round after 45 minutes and coach Eklund can choose to bench him and start with two new strikers up front. Both J. Karlsson and S. Rodevåg came in before the second half and both have now big chances to begin.
Team captain D. Svensson was not in the squad against Häcken due to a hamstring injury and was replaced by E. Kwakwa, who was one of few players that gave a strong performance. Svensson is in the squad but still doubtful to start, and if he cannot play Kwakwa will surely be given the chance to start again. C. Carlsson is back from his injury and is expected to start instead of A. Pelvas, who had a poor game in the last round and was subbed off after 45 minutes. Falkenberg conceded 4 goals in the last game when they kept a balanced team and challenged their opponents for possession.They were punished with counters against them and will now keep a deeper line with a cautious mentality with hopes to be more compact defensively.
They prefer to take few risks in the build-up plays and play the longer ball towards their strikers that have aerial ability and are strong target players. They’ll have the same tactic in this one but are also going to want to attack with quick counters because AIK are expected to keep a high line. They’ll focus on keeping a clean sheet for as long as possible, which could lead to a more desperate AIK and more space for Falkenberg to attack on. If Falkenberg concedes a goal they’ll have a hard time finding the motivation to turn the game around due to the low confidence in the team.
AIK will face a defensive shell and they have to keep the same tempo and movement as they had in the last game if they will be able to penetrate Falkenberg’s defence. The two strikers in AIK have great form and will be useful in this one with their great movement and ability to be a threat on the depth. They have two straight wins in a row in Allsvenskan and their form is rising. If they can get a win against Falkenberg they’ll join the teams at the top of the table. They are highly motivated to take 3 points against Falkenberg away as they did last year and will not settle with anything else.They played with their left back N. Johansson as a centre-back due to J. Hooiveld‘s suspension in the last game. Hooiveld will have a tough time taking back the spot and Johansson is most likely going to get the chance again here. S. Ishizaki scored the first and assisted the second, being the man of the match against Djurgården in the last round.
He will however not be in the team against Falkenberg due to suspension and is naturally a loss. A. Affane was subbed in instead of Ishizaki and should have a good chance to start, but AIK have several options in this position with players like N. Eliasson and J. Blomberg. AIK gave the chance to two youngsters C. Gravious and A. Saletros from the start in midfield against Djurgården and benched E. Ofori, who was just back from suspension. Gravius has not been able to train the last days due to illness and is now missing this one, Ofori is expected to start instead of Gravius here. F. Brustad missed the derby due to illness but is back in training and is in the squad.They’ll keep a balanced mentality and play with the same high press as they had against Djurgården, which gave great effect. Even if the game is expected to be even, will AIK be the team that dictates the possession and will likely push down Falkenberg. If AIK can play to their potential they should win this one but they’ll not have an easy game in front of them since Falkenberg are in need for points.
Key for AIK is to not be dragged into Falkenberg’s physical play and long balls but to keep patience and quality for 90 minutes.AIK are not going to settle with anything else than a win in this game. They’ll have their fullbacks high up in positions and aim to establish possession on Falkenberg‘s half and break them down with attacks on the depth and along the wings. They are boosted with confidence from the win in the derby against Djurgården in the last round. The new coach got the perfect start and his presence will surely help the players to find motivation for this next one as they should be eager to show their qualities in this next round. Take AIK to take all three points today.
Prediction: AIK -1.00 AH
Odds: 2.14 Pinnacle Sports
Odds: 2.14 Pinnacle Sports
