Allsvenskan league leaders AIK host Kalmar on Sunday afternoon. It is a contest featuring the top side against the league’s eighth place club. AIK are yet to taste defeat in the Allsvenskan while Kalmar have lost four of their last six fixtures.
Although Kalmar started well this term, things have gone downhill quickly. The match will come three days after AIK’s Europa League second qualifying round first leg match against Denmark’s Nordsjaelland. AIK may not be at full strength for the contest due to fitness. With the Europa League second leg match taking place just a few days later, manager Rikard Norling may rest some of his top players.
Norling’s AIK have dominated Sweden’s top-flight this season. The team has recorded 33 of a possible 45 points while scoring 29 goals. AIK’s defence has been great conceding just 11 goals. Norling’s men lead the league in goal difference with a +13 mark. Home has definitely been kind to the Stockholm based club. Five wins from seven matches have been recorded at the Friends Arena. AIK’s great form dates back to the end of last season as Norling and his players have gone 27 matches undefeated in the Allsvenskan.
Kalmar are nine points above the relegation zone. Positive form has been difficult to find for manager Nanne Bergstrand. Kalmar just avoided relegation last term by a margin of two points. Although the team is safe now, the it really needs to collect points to further distance itself from the drop. Kalmar are just +1 in goal difference. Goals have been difficult to come by as Kalmar have tallied the fifth fewest in the league (16). Forward Hiago and attacking midfielders Romario and Viktor Elm have combined to score nine of those goals.
Bergstand’s team had started the season well. Kalmar went undefeated in six of their first eight matches. Five of those games ended in wins for Kalmar. Since May 18, the club has won just once in six attempts. Kalmar have suffered four losses during their poor run of form. The good news is Kalmar defeated AIK at the Friends Arena last season. It was the team’s first win in six tries against AIK.
AIK will continue their fantastic run of form this weekend as they will pick up another three points against Kalmar. AIK may have their eyes on the Europa League, but thus far, the competition hasn’t been a problem. Due to Kalmar’s poor scoring record, they shouldn’t be expected to put many goals past AIK’s rock solid defence.