Varnamo vs Hammarby

It will be a clash of contrasting fortunes in the Allsvenskan on Sunday as struggling Varnamo play host to in-form Hammarby at the Finnvedsvallen Stadium.

Rooted to the bottom of the table, the home side are desperate for a turnaround in form and will hope that home advantage can help spark a much-needed revival.

Match preview

Varnamo come into Sunday’s Allsvenskan clash with their backs against the wall, sitting bottom of the table with just seven points from 16 matches, so the home side have endured a dismal campaign.

They possess the league’s worst record so far and are in desperate need of a turnaround if they are to avoid being cut adrift in the relegation battle.

Their struggles are evident across the pitch, with only 13 goals scored all season and a goal difference of -15, so both the attack and defence have fallen short.

Despite showing brief signs of resilience in recent home games, going unbeaten in their last three, they have only managed one win in that stretch, with two draws offering little consolation.

The broader picture remains grim as the hosts have failed to win 18 of their last 20 matches in all competitions, revealing their ongoing problems. Even at home, a traditionally more favourable setting, they have not managed to gain momentum or build consistency.

In contrast, the visitors arrive in a much stronger position and are enjoying one of their best seasons in recent years. Just four points behind league leaders Mjallby, they have quietly but steadily emerged as serious contenders for the Allsvenskan title, and with five wins in their last six matches, they are a team in excellent form.

Their attacking output has been particularly impressive as they are averaging 1.83 goals per game and firing close to 19 shots in each match, proving to be a tough nut to crack. That relentless forward pressure has made them a nightmare to defend against and a joy to watch for the neutrals.

Defensively, they have also stood out as one of the best in the league, conceding fewer than a goal per game on average.

With just 14 goals allowed this season, only a few teams have proven harder to break down than them in the Allsvenskan.

On the road, their record speaks for itself, winning 11 of their last 20 away games and remaining unbeaten in 80 percent of their last 15 outings, so they have built a reputation for being a strong travelling side.

Momentum and confidence are clearly on the side of the visitors, but complacency could still be dangerous. The home team, despite their poor season, will be playing with pride and urgency.

That said, the gulf in quality between both sides is evident as the visitors have the firepower, and momentum to get the job done. For the hosts, it will take more than just spirit to deny one of the most in-form sides in the league.

Varnamo Swedish Allsvenskan form:

Hammarby Swedish Allsvenskan form:

Hammarby form (all competitions):

Team News

Varnamo boss Arne Sandsto will have the luxury of a full squad to choose from ahead of Sunday’s home clash. With no injuries or suspensions reported, the manager is expected to keep faith in his usual 4-3-3 setup.

However, the onus will be on key players like Hugo Andersson to step up after a disappointing 3-1 defeat away to Norrkoping last time out.

For the visitors, head coach Kim Hellberg will once again turn to talismanic midfielder Nahir Besara to lead the charge. The 34-year-old has been in sensational form this season, already bagging eight goals and playing a pivotal role in the team’s title push.

However, Hammarby will be without the services of Pavle Vagic, who picked up an injury in their recent 3-1 win over Brommapojkarna, and full-back Simon Strand, who also remains sidelined.

Despite the absences, the Stockholm club still boast enough depth and quality to pose a serious threat at Finnvedsvallen.

Varnamo possible starting lineup:

Keto; Larsson, Mohammed, Grozdanic, Bjornstroom; Johansson, Le Roux, Adjei; Bilalovic, Antonsson, Zeljkovic

Hammarby possible starting lineup:

Hahn; Skoglund, Fofana, Eriksson, Pinas; Karlsson, Tekie, Besara; Madjed, Tounekti; Erabi

We say: Varnamo 0-1 Hammarby

Varnamo face a tough task against a strong Hammarby side, and unless they deliver a performance far above their usual level, the visitors’ superior attacking quality and control in possession should see them edge this contest by a narrow margin.

For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.

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