Malmo FF vs IFK Norrkoping Predictions, Betting Tips and Match Previews

This is a pretty significant game in Malmo’s bid to haul themselves into some kind of contention at the top end of the Swedish Allsvenskan table. The defending champions took forever to get themselves going this term and have been playing catch-up ever since on the likes of Norrkoping who are competing for the 2018 title.

Malmo do now though genuinely appear to have returned to their best. The appointment of Uwe Rösler in June has sparked a revival which has seen them find a few results in the league and also make good progress in the Champions League. Having seen off Drita of Kosovo, they picked up a cracking win in Romania in midweek as they defeated Cluj 1-0 to take firm control of that tie and increase their chances of reaching the group stage.

That would be huge for Malmo and would certainly salvage a great deal from this season. Defeat or even failure to win here would arguably end their title hopes. Norrkoping are currently 8 points better off than them with a game in hand. They are just 3 points off top spot and will be keen to make a statement by getting a positive result at the home of the defending champions.

The bookies are suggesting this will be relatively high-scoring but the season stats point in another direction. 71% of Malmo home games this term have produced under 2.5 goals in total. They haven’t been at their best in the final third this term but they have found some defensive solidity of late and have only conceded 3 goals in their last 8 competitive outings.

5 of those games produced under 2.5 goals in total and you sense this is the sort of game where both sides will be respectful of one another. 67% of Norrkoping’s away league games this term have also produced under 2.5 goals in total, as have 2 of their 3 fixtures since they returned from the summer break.

All things considered, we could see another tight game here and backing Under 2.5 Goals appeals.

In terms of the outcome, Malmo look capable of just edging it. They have been the dominant force in Swedish football in recent years and the current league table is only really reflective of a miserable start to this season. They look to be back on track now and with home advantage, backing a 1-0 Malmo Win could be worth a flutter.