IFK Norrkoping will be hoping for a change of fortunes when they resume their Allsvenskan campaign against Djurgardens IF at Nya Parken on Monday.
The hosts currently occupy the relegation play-off spot and are in danger of dropping into the bottom two, while the visitors will be looking to close the gap on the league leaders.
Match preview
After a month-long break, Norrkoping will be hoping to put together a positive run in the Allsvenskan, as they have struggled so far, picking up just 11 points after 12 matches played.
The Snoka kicked off the season with defeats in their opening two games against Malmo and Mjallby, although they managed an unbeaten run in the next four matches, winning three and drawing one.
Andreas Alm's side could not keep up the pace, failing to win any of their following six matches - this included five losses, with the last three coming before the break.
Norrkoping are just one point above the automatic relegation zone and will need a win on Monday to steady the ship. However, they are winless in their last six meetings against Djurgardens, losing three of those.
Pulling off a win here looks even more difficult considering the Snoka's home form; they have only won two and lost three of their five matches on home soil, including the last two.
Meanwhile, Djurgardens will be eager to bounce back after seeing their six-match winning run ended with a loss to Hammarby at home in their last league outing.
The Blaranderna have dropped to third place in the table, having picked up 25 points from 12 matches played, leaving them seven points behind the league leaders Malmo, who have played one more game.
Kim Bergstrand's men have enjoyed their travels this campaign, winning all but one of their five away matches, only dropping points against AIK back in April.
With their last defeat at Norrkoping coming in 2020, Djurgardens will be confident of extending their three-match unbeaten run away from home in this tie.
Team News
Norrkoping will remain without Jacob Ortmark, who has been out of action due to an anterior cruciate ligament injury.
Joseph Ceesay is also sidelined, with the midfielder not expected back in action until later this month.
The visitors will have to deal with an anterior cruciate ligament issue to Piotr Johansson, with the midfielder already ruled out of the season.
Thirty-three-year-old Finnish midfielder, Rasmus Schuller, is a doubt for this clash with the club hoping he recovers in time from a foot injury.
IFK Norrkoping possible starting lineup:
Jansson; Eid, Eriksson, Ssewankambo, Kalley; Ceesay, Salihovic, Traustason; Mistrati; Nyman, Prica
Djurgardens IF possible starting lineup:
Zetterstrom; Johansson, Tenho, Larsson, Dahl; Bergvall, Sabovic, Wikheim, Nguen, Gulliksen; Hummet
We say: IFK Norrkoping 0-2 Djurgardens IF
Norrkoping have looked out of place this season and they also lost in their warm up match ahead of resumption. Meanwhile, Djurgardens will be raring to go after the blip just before the break and we expect the visitors to win this one due to their impressive away form.
For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.
