Helsingborg
Helsingborg have been forced to change formation due to the precarious situation with injuries. They have eight players unavailable for this one and coach Larsson is forced to make new changes in the team. Larsson is suspended and youngster Bindelöv is likely to come in at centre back. Rusike is back from his head injury and has been selected in the squad. He is however, doubtful to start. They have a great chance to end their poor form and win a game at home for the first time in five. This should ensure motivated players, even if they face Gefle that are at the bottom of the table. They’re expected to dictate the game with possession from the start with a high tempo. An early goal could lead to an early knock out since Gefle’s confidence is very low at the moment. Helsingborg switched to a 4-4-1-1 formation in the last game due to only having one striker available. Coach Larsson is likely to continue with the same formation and with using Bojanic as a secondary striker. They’re were forced to sit deep in the last round but will be the dominant side with possession in this one. Helsingborg have shown in many games this season that they’re capable of dictating the game with a high tempo and will aim to do the same in this one. If they go ahead they’ll look for a second before starting to ease off a little, controlling possession and giving as little away as possible. If they were to go behind, they have to rely on the eleven players on the pitch since they have limited options in reserve. Helsingborg managed to get a draw against Häcken away from home in the last round, which was quite remarkable since Häcken dominated big parts of the game. Helsingborg’s goalkeeper Chencinski had his best game this season and was brilliant throughout.
Gefle
Coach Andersson is likely to play with the same eleven players that failed to convince in the important game against Hammarby last week, ending in a loss. Bonsu is back from injury but Nilsson and Bååth are expected to continue as central midfielders. Hjelte competes with Oremo for the spot next to Skrabb, but Oremo should be the one starting against Helsingborg. The loss in the last round was tough for the team and their confidence is very low at the moment. They’re in last place in the league and are in a tough spot. But there are still fourteen games left to play and the chance to turn the poor season around is still possible. They are however, in need of winning a few games, which will be shown against Helsingborg. Gefle will stick with the 4-4-2 formation and sit back from the start. They’ll want to keep the team tight and slow down the tempo of Helsingborg’s attacks. They’ll set up to play on the break and involve S. Skrabb AM/ST3 and the wingers as much as possible in the attacking play. If they’re going to win this one, they’ll have to score at least twice since they have had an extremely hard time keeping clean sheets this season. Gefle have given away too many chances to their opponents, conceding 37 goals in 16 games. They’re expected to keep a defensive approach in the first half but are likely to switch to a more attacking approach if they’re behind or if the game is level late on. They have to start winning games to avoid relegation and if they take the lead, nervousness will surely show.
Verdict & Prediction
Helsingborg are back at home ground and are facing Gefle in this next round. Gefle are in last place in the league and nothing other than a win for Helsingborg will be an acceptable result. Helsingborg haven’t won in four games at home and they should be highly motivated to end this trend.
Prediction : Helsingborg -0.75 AH
Odds : 1.90 SBOBET
