Our prediction for this Champions League match:
Malmo and Riga take on each other in a David-vs-Goliath clash at Eleda Stadion on Wednesday evening. Malmo aim to bounce back from a 3-2 loss to Norrkoping, and we are positive that they will go all guns blazing at the Latvian champions. Bosnia international Anel Ahmedhodzic returns from a domestic ban, while Ola Toivonen is likely to miss the game with injury.
A man to keep an eye on in the home team will be Antonio-Mirko Colak, who has been scoring goals for fun ever since he joined the Blues. Riga, on the other hand, are fighting hard to win the Latvian championship, which is probably the main reason why home win should be considered. Malmo defenders should have Finland attacker Mikael Soisalo at bay. The two teams have never met before in European competitions.
Highlighted Player (Jonas Knudsen):
Back in 2004 Jonas Knudsen of Denmark began his youth career at Hjerting IF. In 2006 he joined Esbjerg and he made his first-team debut for the club in a heavy 4-0 loss to Randers. Knudsen became the second youngest debutant in the history of the club and he stayed at the club until 2015.
The 185-cm-tall left back joined Ipswich Town on 31 July, 2015 and his deal with the Tractor Boys expires in 2018. Knudsen used to play for Denmark U18, U19, U20 and U21 teams in the past and he has four caps for the first team. Jonas Knudsen made 41 appearances for Ipswich town in the 2015/2016 Championship campaign and he scored one goal for the club on his debut season.
The Danish international is well known for his long throws and journalists in England often compare him with Rory Delap. Knudsen was born on 16 September, 1992 in Esbjerg.
Highlighted Team (Malmo FF):
Founded on February 24, 1910, Malmo are a Swedish team that compete in Allsvenskan league. The Blues welcome their rivals at Stadion, Malmo, the venue which was opened in April, 2009. It is important to note that the stadium can hold up to 22,500 supporters of which 18,000 are seated.
Malmo are the most successful Swedish side, with the team winning their 23rd domestic trophy in 2017. The Blues finished the season seven points clear of AIK, scoring 63 goals and conceding 27 in the process. Speaking of the club’s European success, Malmo did well to make it to the European Cup final in the 1978/1979 season, but they eventually failed to win the trophy.
The Swedish side were beaten by Nottingham Forest in the title game (0-1), with Trevor John Francis scoring the only goal of the match. Malmo wear sky-blue shirts and white shorts when playing at home, whereas their away colour is black.