Can Kalmar stop rampaging Hammarby?
Kalmar welcome Hammarby to the Guldfågeln arena on matchday 18 of Sweden's Allsvenskan. The 2 teams have had very contrasting seasons and can be found on opposite ends of the table (Hammarby being on the good side). Can Kalmar stop Hammarby's lethal attack or will they be overrun?
Kalmar
Kalmar suffered heartbreak during the dying minutes of their defeat away to Elfsborg. Everything was looking like smooth sailing until a lapse in concentration occurred during the 87th which led to 1-1 and a very unlucky goal concluded their defeat in the 95th and final minute.
Things are starting to look very bleak for the team from Småland and if things don't change soon they will be looking down the barrel of relegation. A winless streak of 9 games as well as a current losing streak of 5 games has set its mark as they looked utterly broken during their defeat to Elfsborg.
They do have a capable coach in Magnus Pehrsson but the main issue has been their ridiculously lengthy injury/suspension list with 9 players missing their last bout. A couple more defeats and Pehrsson will most likely be axed, i also believe that they are spiralling so hard no last-stand efforts will be made.
Hammarby
The team from the capital are currently on a 4 game winning streak whilst scoring an absolutely whopping 20 goals in the process. The interesting part is that they have conceded 7 times during those 4 victories which is a worrying amount but they were also never really in a position where any of the games even looked like they were going the wrong way (except 1 of them).
Bajen are also aware of the fact that if they want to challenge for top dog it is now or never. They have, including this one, 4 more games against teams far below them in the table before they play a tough one away to Norrköping so it is vital that they make it 4/4 wins.
In contrast to Kalmar, Hammarby have a fully healthy squad bar 2 long-period injuries to choose from.
However, Hammarby have historically had a very tough time away to Kalmar and teams like them due to their defensive and physical style of play but times are changing and Hammarby are on a real run here so i expect big things from the green and whites.
Betting tip
Due to very contrasting records one would be made to bet against Hammarby which is why i will be backing a Hammarby win at 19/25 with Bethard.
Another great tip with a lot of value is a Hammarby win and both teams to score at 41/20.
