Kalmar will host Hacked at Guldfågeln Arena on Monday, July 12, in the 10th round of Allsvenskan as the hosts chase crucial three-point that would secure them a spot in the upper part of the table. These two sides last met in December 2020, when they parted ways with a 0-0 stalemate, with Kalmar picking up a 2-0 victory on the road in August.
Kalmar vs Hacken
When: Monday, July 12 – 19:00 CEST
Where: Guldfågeln Arena in Kalmar, Sweden
Weather: Cloudy, 23°C
Referee: Bojan Pandžić (SWE)
Kalmar improved under the guidance of Henrik Rydström and are now undefeated in their last four across all competitions. However, a 1-1 draw with Varbergs has lost them crucial points, making this bout that much more important to win for the hosts.
Hacken travels to Kalmar with two back-to-back wins under their belt and are now one point clear of the danger zone. Still, they have a long road ahead of them as they look to repeat their success from 2020 (3rd).
Kalmar Look Much Improved
Kalmar enter this match with a 3-5-1 record on the season and 1-3-1 in their last five league bouts. During that stretch, Kalmar won against Hammarby (2-1), drew with Elfsborg (2-2), Goteborg (0-0), and Varbergs (1-1) and lost against Malmo FF (1-3).
Although not a spectacular run, this version of Kalmar looks much better than last year. In 2020, Kalmar finished the season in 14th with a 6-10-14 record and only 28 points.
Their biggest issue was their leaky defence, seeing how they conceded 49 goals and scored 30. Kalmar were known for their attacking playstyle; however, that served as a double-edged sword, leaving them vulnerable in the back.
The 2021 Kalmar look much better in that department, largely thanks to their new coach Rydström, who turned Kalmar into a more well-rounded team, while also strengthening the defence with bigs signings, including Lars Saetra.
Kalmar have this year conceded only eight goals, which is the second-best number in the league. The only team that conceded fewer are the second-placed Djurgarden, with six goals to their name.
Hacken Struggle On The Roads
Hacken are 2-3-4 on the season with 9 points, which is good for 13th place. They’re one point clear of Ostersunds in 14th with one more game in hand, and while Hacken can breathe easy knowing that they’re clear of the relegation zone, they might struggle to keep their heads above the water if they don’t improve their road record.
Hacken are 2-2-1 in their last five with a loss to Orebro (2-3), two draws against Mjallby (1-1) and Goteborg (1-1), and two back-to-back wins against Varbergs (3-1) and AIK (2-1).
Although solid wins, both came at Bravida Arena, whereas Hacken proved far less efficient on the road. Hacken are 0-3-1 in away games on the season with a 3-4 goal difference, which won’t do them any favours as they take on Kalmar, who are yet to taste defeat in their home stadium.
While we should give Hacken some praise for their win against AIK last time out, the match was much closer than what the final score would suggest. Hacken were the better team on the day; however, they played at home, where Hacken seem solid – the same can’t be said for their away games.
Kalmar vs Hacken Betting Picks
Kalmar are 1-2-2 against Hacken in their last five meetings and 0-3-2 at Guldfågeln Arena. Although not a promising record to hold, Kalmar are a much better team since Rydström took charge.
No longer do Kalmar leave themselves exposed with overly aggressive playstyle and seem far more organised. Although they aren’t too efficient in scoring goals (1 goal/game on the season), they are solid enough in the back to prevent Hacken from having too much fun in the final third.
Prediction: Kalmar +0.00 Asian Handicap – 2.00 at Sportmarket
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