The 2020/21 UEFA Europa League just reached the third qualifying round and there are plenty of matches to look forward to on Thursday night. One of which takes place at the Swedbank Stadion in Sweden as Malmo meet Lokomotiva Zagreb.
This is a one off match, with the winner progressing to the playoff stage.
Malmo come into the game having been held to a 1-1 draw at Norrköping in the Swedish topflight on the weekend. That result means they have a 6 point lead over the second place team although Malmo have played one match more than their nearest rivals. They will have been disappointed not to pick up maximum points in the game at Norrköping, conceding a last minute equaliser.
🎙️ Klockan 16:15 sitter Jon Dahl Tomasson och Isaac Kiese Thelin på presspodiet inför torsdagens avgörande. Presskonferensen publiceras på https://t.co/t1rhZcmiNf i efterhand. pic.twitter.com/8VXz1qBsD3— Malmö FF (@Malmo_FF) September 23, 2020
🎙️ Klockan 16:15 sitter Jon Dahl Tomasson och Isaac Kiese Thelin på presspodiet inför torsdagens avgörande. Presskonferensen publiceras på https://t.co/t1rhZcmiNf i efterhand. pic.twitter.com/8VXz1qBsD3
That result means Malmo have lost only one of their last 12 games in all competitions but they have been struggling to pick up victories in recent matches. Trends show Malmo have won only one of their 5 most recent games, picking up 3 draws and suffering one defeat.
Malmo entered the Europa League at the first qualifying round and played at home against Cracovia, picking up a 2-0 win. Into the second round and the Swedes were drawn away at Budapest Honvéd. A goal just before half time and one with only four minutes remaining on the clock was enough to see Malmo win the match 2-0.
Malmo have succeeded in winning 7 of their 9 most recent home matches in the Europa League.
Unlike their opponents, Lokomotiva Zagreb have the luxury of entering the Europa League at this stage of the competition. Therefore, this will be there first match in the tournament this season having crashed out of the Champions League against Rapid Wien. However, they have played 5 matches in their domestic League and currently sit in 9th place in the 1. HNL.
Lokomotiva Zagreb have been struggling to win games recently and they have failed to win any of their last 4 matches in all competitions. In fact, they have lost 3 of their last 4 games and have failed to keep a clean sheet across those 4 matches.
Interestingly, Lokomotiva Zagreb have proved difficult to beat in the Europa League. They have lost only one of their last 8 games in the competition and are undefeated in 5 of their last 7 on the road.
Looking ahead to the team news and Malmo will be without injured goalkeeper Dusan Melicharek. They also have doubts over the fitness of Rasmus Bengtsson and Anders Christiansen.
Lokomotiva Zagreb have no major injuries or suspensions for the game. 20 year old Albanian forward Indrit Tuci could lead the line alone with support from fellow countryman, Sheriff Kallaku.
For fans hoping to see a lot of goals this is perhaps one match to avoid. Defences could come out on top in this game but with the home advantage Malmo could make the all-important breakthrough to win the match 1-0.