Our prediction for this Sweden Allsvenskan match:
Malmo will be aiming to overtake Elfsborg in top position when they host Degerfors to their Eleda Stadion on Monday evening. The Blues experienced all sorts of problems at the back in a 3-0 loss at Elfsborg, but the bookies see them as hot favourites to beat Degerfors in front of home fans. Midfielder Taha Ali is pushing for a recall to the starting XI, while all Anton Tinnerholm, Ismael Diawara, and Emmanuel Lomotey miss out with injuries.
The visitors, on the other hand, head into the match following back-to-back draws with Varberg and Hammarby, but they will have a mountain to climb in Monday’s clash. Over the years Malmo have turned their Eleda Stadion into a real fortress and we predict that the title-chasing hosts will prove their worth on the field. As for the away team, both Christos Gravius and Deid Korac are banned for the match.
Highlighted Player (Martin Olsson):
Martin Olsson is an experienced Swedish defender who has spent his entire professional career up to date in England. The left-sided defender came through the Hogaborgs BK academy, but he went on to join Blackburn Rovers before turning 18. Olsson quickly managed to nail down a regular starting berth at Ewood Park, and he made a total of 117 league appearances ahead of signing for Norwich City in the summer of 2013.
The Swedish left-back couldn’t help the Canaries avoid relegation to the Championship, but he featured in 45 league games as they secured a straight return to the elite division. Olsson was at times linked with top European clubs, but a big club move never materialised for him, although there is still time for him to make the next step.
Also capable of playing on the left wing, Olsson scored 5 goals in just over 30 outings for the Sweden national team, making three appearances at the Euro 2012 finals in Ukraine and Poland.
Highlighted Team (Malmo):
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.