Preview: IFK Norrkoping vs. GAIS

One point apart in the Allsvenskan standings, mid-table pair IFK Norrkoping and GAIS will meet at Nya Parken on Saturday.

The hosts can leapfrog their visitors from Gothenburg with a win, as both teams try to pull further clear of the drop zone.

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Match preview

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After narrowly avoiding a relegation playoff last year, Norrkoping occupy ninth place in Sweden’s top flight through 11 games of the current campaign, as they aim to secure a safety more comfortably this time – and perhaps a top-half finish.

IFK picked up a point last time out, drawing 1-1 at home to league leaders Mjallby on Monday, with Arnor Ingvi Traustason netting their late leveller.

However, that result also extended Norrkoping’s winless streak on home turf to four matches, and they have won just twice in six Allsvenskan contests at their headquarters this term.

Martin Falk‘s men will now aim to end that wait for a win in front of their own fans, as the 30-year-old coach continues his transition to life as a senior manager.

With Norrkoping’s precarious financial situation meaning they may have to sell stars such Isak Andri Sigurgeirsson, Kojo Peprah Oppong and 17-year-old Axel Bronner in the summer break, Falk’s first job could soon get even tougher.

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The hosts will have recent history on their side, though, as GAIS have lost all four of the teams’ meetings over the past two years: Norrkoping prevailed at Gamla Ullevi in March, making it six goals without reply in league and cup.

Yet, this term, GAIS are one point and a couple of places above their visitors, and they are now looking to go five top-flight games without defeat.

Last week’s 2-1 home win over struggling Sirius – which featured a comeback capped by Ibrahim Diabate‘s late winner – extended their unbeaten streak to four, leaving them seventh in the Allsvenskan standings.

Having finished just six points adrift of European qualification last year, the Gothenburg club are still hoping to contend again, though they already face a 10-point deficit to the top three.

Fredrik Holmberg‘s side could have been a little closer, but they have drawn more than half of their matches in the 2025 campaign – including four from six on their travels so far.

IFK Norrkoping Swedish Allsvenskan form:

GAIS Swedish Allsvenskan form:

Team News

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Norrkoping manager Martin Falk will be without two key defenders on Saturday, as both Kojo Peprah Oppong and Moutaz Neffati must serve suspensions for yellow card accumulation.

Goalkeeper David Mitov and midfielder Stephen Bolma are also missing, due to wrist and knee injuries respectively, but IFK’s captain and six-goal top scorer Christoffer Nyman is set to return from a layoff.

So, the latter could join Arnor Ingvi Traustason and Malmo loanee Sebastian Jorgensen – who has five league goals this term – in the final third.

Meanwhile, GAIS have the Allsvenskan’s leading marksman among their ranks, as Ivorian forward Ibrahim Diabate – previously on the books at Mallorca and Sevilla – has struck eight times so far.

Harun Ibrahim could again be sidelined by injury, while it remains to be seen whether Joackim Aberg can return after coming through the league’s concussion protocol.

IFK Norrkoping possible starting lineup:
Andersson; Eriksson, Watson, Sogaard, Kalley; Moberg Karlsson, Ceesay, Sigurgeirsson; Jorgensen, Nyman, Traustason

We say: IFK Norrkoping 2-1 GAIS

An overall tally of 22 goals in six home fixtures suggests that Norrkoping like to attack but can also be caught out.

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