AIK Fotboll vs IFK Goteborg Predictions

AIK Fotboll vs IFK Goteborg predictions for this Swedish Allsvenskan clash. AIK host IFK Goteborg at Friends Arena. AIK are ninth with 14 points; Goteborg are 12th with 11 points. Read on for our free predictions and betting tips.

Swedish Allsvenskan | Gameweek 11 – May 27, 2024 at 6:10pm UK at Friends Arena

Don’t Have a Parimatch account? Click below to claim this offer👇

AIK Fotboll vs IFK Goteborg Predictions

Tactical Showdown at Friends Arena: Can AIK Halt Their Slide Against Resilient Goteborg?

AIK Fotboll are preparing to host IFK Goteborg at the Friends Arena in Sweden’s Allsvenskan on Monday. AIK currently sit in ninth place with 14 points, just seven points shy of third-placed GAIS, who occupy the final Europa Conference League qualification spot. IFK Goteborg, on the other hand, are in 12th place with 11 points, only narrowly ahead of the relegation playoff zone.

AIK began the 2024 season on a strong note, going unbeaten in their first five league games and securing three wins. Their first loss came in the sixth match against the current league leaders, Malmo, but they bounced back impressively with a 6-2 win over Norrkoping. However, the team’s momentum has since faltered, as they have suffered three consecutive losses, including a heavy 6-1 defeat to Elfsborg on April 15.

Manager Henning Berg, who took over AIK in July 2023, has seen some success, notably guiding the team to the semi-finals of the Svenska Cupen in 2024. Despite this, there are concerns among fans that AIK might have overperformed earlier in the season, as suggested by their recent string of losses. AIK have only finished in the top three once in the last five seasons, a stark contrast to their consistent top-three finishes from 2013 to 2018. Berg will aim to reverse this poor form and help AIK climb up the table with a victory on Monday.

Visitors Goteborg, led by manager Jens Berthel Askou since June 2023, are just two points behind AIK. They have managed three wins, two draws, and five losses this season, a less than stellar record. Goteborg did win their last match against Mjallby, which could boost their confidence heading into this fixture. Historically poor on the road, Goteborg have already secured two away wins this season, a positive sign for their travelling prospects.

Team News and Expected Lineups

AIK will be without several key players, including midfielder Ismaila Coulibaly, who is suspended after receiving a second yellow card against Hammarby. Midfielders Abdihakin Ali, Eskil Edh, and Alexander Fesshaie are out until June, while forward John Guidetti is sidelined until next month. Defenders Martin Ellingsen and Alexander Milosevic are also out with injuries.

AIK Fotboll possible starting lineup: Nordfeldt; Modesto, Hansen, Papagiannopoulos, Bjornstrom; Ayari, Ring, Saletros, Celina; Pittas, Andersson.

Goteborg face similar injury woes with Pontus Dahlberg out with a cruciate ligament injury and Hussein Carneil out for the season. Forwards Arbnor Mucolli, Laurs Skjellerup, and Suleiman Abdullahi are also unavailable. Defenders Emil Salomonsson and Mattias Johansson are out until June.

IFK Goteborg possible starting lineup: Bishesari; Santos, Svensson, Carlen, Ohlsson; Yalcouye, Kahed, Thordarson; Pettersson, Carlstrand, Abraham.

Tactical Analysis

Given the injury lists on both sides, the match may lack fluidity. AIK, having suffered three straight losses, could be low on confidence. Their defence, which has conceded 21 goals in 10 matches, will be under scrutiny. The absence of key defensive players like Milosevic and Ellingsen is likely to exacerbate their defensive fragility.

AIK’s offensive strategy relies heavily on the creativity of Bersant Celina and the finishing prowess of Ioannis Pittas, who has scored five goals this season. Celina’s role as a playmaker will be crucial in breaking down Goteborg’s defence. AIK’s midfield, orchestrated by Saletros and Ring, must maintain possession and create scoring opportunities.

Goteborg, despite their struggles, have shown resilience in away fixtures. Their defensive unit, although depleted, has managed three clean sheets this season, indicating they can hold firm under pressure. The midfield battle will be pivotal, with Malick Yalcouyé expected to play a key role in disrupting AIK’s rhythm.

Key Player Duels

One of the key duels to watch will be AIK’s Ioannis Pittas against Goteborg’s Gustav Svensson. Pittas’ ability to find space and convert chances will be tested against Svensson’s defensive acumen. Another important matchup is in the midfield, where AIK’s Celina will face off against Goteborg’s Kahed. Celina’s vision and passing range could be decisive if he can evade Kahed’s pressing.

Gameplay Dynamics

The match is likely to be a tactical battle with both teams missing several key players. AIK’s strategy will involve maintaining possession and creating chances through their midfield trio of Saletros, Ring, and Celina. They will look to exploit the flanks, where Modesto and Bjornstrom can provide width and deliver crosses into the box.

Goteborg’s approach might be more conservative, focusing on solid defence and counter-attacks. With Abraham and Pettersson leading the line, Goteborg will aim to utilise their speed and agility to exploit AIK’s defensive vulnerabilities.

Expected Goals Analysis

AIK have an average expected goals (xG) of 1.43 per game, indicating a reasonably effective offence. However, their expected goals against (xGA) is also 1.43, reflecting a balanced yet vulnerable defence. Goteborg’s xG is slightly higher at 1.55, suggesting they create more quality chances, but their xGA of 1.38 shows they too are susceptible at the back.

Betting Angles and Predictions

Best Bet: Draw

Given the evenly matched teams and their current form, a draw seems a likely outcome. AIK are struggling with confidence and injuries, while Goteborg have shown they can perform away from home. The absence of key players on both sides is likely to result in a closely contested game with neither team able to dominate. Thus, the most probable result appears to be a draw.

Correct Score Prediction: AIK 1-1 Goteborg

Aligning with the prediction of a draw, a 1-1 scoreline is plausible. AIK have shown they can score, averaging 1.7 goals per game, but their defence has been leaky. Goteborg’s attack, led by Abraham, should find the net, but their overall scoring rate of one goal per game suggests they may not score more than once. Therefore, a 1-1 draw fits both teams’ profiles and current form.

Goalscorer Prediction: Ioannis Pittas to Score

Ioannis Pittas has been AIK’s standout performer in attack, scoring five goals this season. With AIK’s playmaking efforts likely to focus on providing him with opportunities, Pittas is the prime candidate to find the back of the net. His finishing ability and positioning make him a constant threat in the box, and with Goteborg’s defensive concerns, he is well-placed to add to his tally.

Corners Prediction: Total Corners Over 10.5

Both teams have shown a propensity to win corners, with AIK averaging 4.4 corners per game and Goteborg 5.6. Given their attacking styles and the need to exploit set-pieces due to injuries to key players, the match is likely to see a high number of corners. An over 10.5 total corners bet appears to be a strong angle.

Innovative Market: Total Team Shots on Target for AIK Over 5.5

AIK’s attacking metrics indicate they average 4.3 shots on target per game. With Goteborg’s defence missing key players, AIK are likely to exceed their average. AIK’s need to break their losing streak and take control of the game suggests they will be pushing hard to test the Goteborg goalkeeper frequently. Betting on AIK to have over 5.5 shots on target offers value given these dynamics.

Top UK Bookies & Best Sign Up Offers 

Subscribe To Our Newsletter For Exclusive Tips

Want to have exclusive tips from experts tipsters delivered right into your inbox? Subscribe Now To Our Newsletter. We will never spam, we fully respect your privacy!