Preview: Hacken vs Djurgardens IF - prediction, team news, lineups

Fresh from their narrow defeat in Europa League qualifiers, Hacken return to league action as they prepare to host Djurgarden at the Bravida Arena this Sunday.

While the Wasps are looking to shake off a three-match winless run across all competitions, the Iron Stoves are setting their sights on a third league victory in four games.

Match preview

Hacken were busy with Europa League duties on Wednesday as the Swedish side travelled to Belgium for a second qualifying round clash against Anderlecht.

The Wasps failed to produce one shot on target as they were beaten 1-0 by the Belgian giants – a result which they will be looking to overturn in the second leg next week.

Hacken turn their attention back to domestic action this Sunday as they look to end their four-match winless run against Djurgarden.

Jens Gustafsson and his men have not beaten their upcoming rivals in over two years, and they will be looking to change that as they look to close the gap to the Allsvenskan’s top three.

Having won just six of their 16 league games this season, Hacken currently find themselves in eighth place – sitting 10 points behind the league’s podium places.

Djurgarden, who sit just one spot behind their opponents, boast the exact same record as Hacken, winning six games, drawing four, and losing six. In fact, the teams are only separated by one goal.

Jani Honkavaara and his men will now be looking to leapfrog their rivals on Sunday and secure back-to-back wins for the first time this year.

Bagging a win away in Gothenburg is certainly a lot easier said than done, considering Djurgarden have struggled on the road throughout the season, picking up nine points from seven matches.

The Blue Stripes have been far better on home soil, winning their last two games in Stockholm, including their 1-0 win over Elfsborg last weekend.

Nevertheless, Djurgarden boast a solid recent record against Hacken, and they will be hoping to continue that trend when the two teams meet on Sunday.

Hacken Swedish Allsvenskan form:

D L L W W D

Hacken form (all competitions):

W W W D D L

Djurgardens IF Swedish Allsvenskan form:

W L D W L W

Team News

Hacken head into the weekend without goalkeeper Andreas Linde, who is still struggling with an injury and remains unavailable for selection.

Full back Brice Wembangomo is also expected to miss Sunday’s match as the 28-year-old continues to battle with his hamstring injury.

Djurgarden are also missing a goalkeeper as Malkolm Nilsson Safqvist continues his recovery from an elbow injury – one which has kept him out of action since March.

Midfielder Nino Zugelj is expected to miss out, while Daniel Stensson is suspended after picking up a red card against Elfsborg.

Hacken possible starting lineup: Berisha; Oehman, Andersen, Loide, Lundqvist; Leach Holm, Dahbo, Rygaard, Nioule, Gustafson; Layouni

Djurgardens IF possible starting lineup: Manojlovic; Bergvall, Tenho, Danielson, Kosugi; Schuller, Siltanen, Gulliksen, Nguen; Priske

We say: Hacken 1-1 Djurgardens IF

Hacken have experience when it comes to balancing European and domestic duties, but that does not mean the Wasps will necessarily be at the top of their game following a disappointing trip to Belgium.

On the other hand, Djurgarden have been underperforming away from home, leaving us with no option but to back the draw.

For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.