Top-of-the-table Malmo host Sirius in round 13 of the Swedish Allsvenskan on Saturday, aiming to strengthen their position at the top of the league standings.
The home side are serious title contenders as they approach the midway point of the season, but they will be cautious of the threat posed by the visitors, who are currently experiencing a resurgence of form.
Match preview
After a shaky end to May for the league leaders, during which they could only manage a single point in two league games, Malmo regained their momentum in June with back-to-back victories, reinvigorating their pursuit of the title.
The most successful side in Sweden are on the hunt to reclaim the Allsvenskan trophy they last lifted in 2021, but they face stiff competition from the chasing pack, with only three points separating the top three sides in the league.
Malmo suffered a setback in their most recent outing as they were defeated 1-0 in a friendly game against IFK Goteborg on Sunday, and they will need to refocus their efforts as they look to maintain momentum in the league.
Since assuming the role of manager at Malmo in November, Henrik Rydstrom has made a strong impact, particularly evident in his team's defensive solidity, as they currently boast the fewest goals conceded in the Allsvenskan this season.
Equally impressive is his side's home form, as the league leaders remain unbeaten at the Eleda Stadium in the top flight this term.
Up next is a crucial encounter with Sirius, who currently sit in 11th place in the table but enter this match with confidence, having secured three consecutive victories in the league.
This impressive run of form followed a dismal start to the season for Christer Mattiasson's side, with the team unable to secure a single win in their first nine league matches of the 2023 campaign.
Sirius' morale will have certainly taken a slight hit following their demoralising 4-1 defeat to Hammarby in a friendly game over the weekend, and it is yet to be seen how this result will impact their performance heading into Saturday's clash.
Additionally, the Uppsala-based side have experienced mixed results on the road this season, with the team putting up inconsistent performances away from home.
On their travels in the current campaign, Sirius have achieved one victory, suffered one defeat, and settled for four stalemates, making them the team with the highest number of draws away from home in the Swedish top flight.
Team News
Malmo will be facing several injury concerns ahead of Saturday's clash, as Isaac Kiese Thelin (groin), Derek Cornelius (thigh) and Anton Lars Tinnerholm (groin) are all unavailable for the league leaders.
Malmo's captain and standout player, Anders Christiansen, remains sidelined for the rest of the season due to heart problems, leaving a significant void in the team.
In the absence of these key players, Sebastien Nanasi and Martin Olsson will continue to deputise in their stead as the title-chasing side go in search of their third successive win in the league.
Taha Abdi Ali has seamlessly integrated into the side in the skipper's absence, scoring a brace in their last league match against Varnamo, and he will be determined to recover from a minor injury in time to make another start in the upcoming fixture.
Similarly, Sirius are burdened with a lengthy injury list, as Filip Olsson, Andreas Murbeck and Patrik Karlsson Lagemyr all continue to be sidelined, having not made an appearance for their side this year.
There is some positive news for Mattiasson, as Oli Ormasson is expected to make a comeback after recovering from a muscle injury that had sidelined him since March.
Malmo possible starting lineup:
Dahlin; Nielson, Moisander, Olsson, Busanello; Larsson, Pena, Nanasi; Bolin, Vecchia, Ali
Sirius possible starting lineup:
Tannander; Voelkerling, Nwadike, Mathisen, Widgren; Bjarnason, Roche, Stensson, Alsanati, Matthews; Sylisufaj
We say: Malmo 2-1 Sirius
In their 12 meetings with Malmo since their promotion, Sirius have only managed to secure one victory, which occurred in their previous encounter last season at the Studenternas IP.
However, Malmo come into this fixture in superior form and boast an impeccable home record, in contrast to Sirius, who have struggled with inconsistency in their away performances.
For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.
