Verdict: AH Malmo (-2.5)
Best odds:
Bookmaker:
After failing to qualify for the UEFA Champions League group stage since the 2021/2022 season, Sweden s heavyweights, Malmo, are well positioned to return at the greatest stage of club football. Facing what is considered by many an easy task, the hosts welcome Faroe Island champions, Klaksvik in the first leg of the Champions League s quarter-finals qualification battle. The game will be played Tuesday night at Eleda Stadion in front of more than 20, 000 fans who are keen to see their favourites take advantage before travelling to Faroe Islands next week.
Malmo
Following an impressive campaign the previous season that culminated with Malmo clinching their 23rd League title by edging Elfsborg at goal difference, the hosts are in pole position to retain their Swedish champions crown. Starting their championship battle with a statement away win at Norrkoping (1-5), Malmo maintained a high tempo during the entire season.
Despite dominating the domestic competition with six consecutive wins in the first rounds, The Sky Blue surrendered at eternal foe stadium, Elfsborg, in a spectacular thriller that ended 3-1. Although this fall was expected to rock the ship, Malmo bounced back in great style by hammering IFK Goteborg away from home (0-3), proving the current champions are still the team to beat.
Yet, after failing to make a strong impression away from home after losing a pair of games in Sweden s top flight, Malmo has a perfect home record with seven wins and 22 goals scored. This purple patch will likely extend in the Champions League as the Swedish giants are tipped to destroy the Faroe Island side.
Henryk Rydstrom has transformed Malmo since taking charge back in December 2022, guiding Malmo to a championship title won in his first season at the helm. Furthermore, the Swedish coach s ultimate goal is to bring his side into the Champions League group stage, with an expected semifinal clash against Greek Champions, PAOK, looking to be the next test.
Team News
Having talented and valuable players in the squad, Henryk Rydstrom has enough solutions to replace the two injured players who will not feature against Klaksvik. While young centre-forward Daniel Gudjohnsen is nearing a return after a year of absence, defensive midfielder Oscar Lewicki is not expected to join the team soon following a cruciate ligament tear suffered in early 2024.
Klaksvik
Klaksvik rise in European football started four years ago when the Faroe Islands side had some good results against top sides from Europe. Although the visitors were close to making it to the Champions League last qualification round the previous season, Klaksvik had to settle eventually for a Conference League group phase participation.
Despite being knocked out by Molde in the Champions League and Sheriff Tiraspol in the Europa League, the visitors made history by reaching the group phase of a European competition. However, while this performance was impressive, Klaksvik finished last in a tough Conference League group alongside Lille, Slovan Bratislava and Olimpija Ljubljana.
Yet, last season s European campaign raised Espen Hauge s team level after succeeding this term to knockout in the Dundelange in the first round. Although the contest was tight, Klaksvik progressed by edging the Luxembourg side (2-0 on aggregate).
While blazing domestically after dropping a single game this campaign, the Faroe Islands side failed to make a statement on the road by losing three games in eight rounds. Facing the Swedish Champions will be another difficult task, as avoiding defeat at Eleda Stadion would be a miracle. However, since the second leg will be played in front of their fans, Klaksvik aims to keep the tie open for the return match.
Team News
Scoring the double that secured progression to the second qualifying round, in-form left-winger Arni Frederiksberg is keen to strike again. While the defensive output was excellent in the doubleheader against Differdange without conceding in more than 180 minutes, Klaksvik s back line will face a more difficult test against Malmo s attacking prowess.
Key factors to consider
Malmo won all of their last seven games played at Eleda Stadion
The hosts scored 10 goals in the previous three games
The Sky Blue was last seen emerging victorious at Sirius following an exciting thriller (3-4 final score)
Klaksvik knocked out Differdange previous round (2-0 on aggregate)
The visitors won 9 of their last 12 competitive games
Conclusion
With all guns blazing, Malmo is expected to produce a comfortable win. Although Klaksvik escaped the bullet against Differdange, the visitors s defensive line is expected to take a major hit.
Verdict: AH Malmo (-2.5)
Best odds:
Bookmaker:
