AIK vs GAIS Predictions

AIK vs GAIS predictions & tips ahead of this clash in Sweden’s Allsvenskan. In a repeat of last week’s fixture, AIK Fotboll host GAIS at Friends Arena on matchday 16 of the 2024 Swedish Allsvenskan season. Read on for our free betting tips and predictions.

Swedish Allsvenskan | Jul 29, 2024 at 6pm UK at Friends Arena

AIK vs GAIS Predictions

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Can AIK Overcome GAIS’ Challenge to Climb the Standings?

In an intriguing fixture of the 2024 Swedish Allsvenskan season, AIK Fotboll are set to host GAIS at Friends Arena. This matchup comes just a week after GAIS secured a 2-0 victory against AIK on their home turf, pushing them five points ahead of their rivals and firmly in the hunt for a top-three finish. Both teams are seeking vital points for differing reasons, with AIK aiming to climb out of mid-table mediocrity and GAIS looking to maintain their strong form.

Team Analysis

AIK’s Season So Far

AIK have had a tumultuous journey since narrowly missing out on the Allsvenskan title in 2021. The last three seasons have seen them falter significantly, finishing fifth in 2022, and a disappointing 11th place last season. Currently sitting eighth in the standings with 20 points from 15 matches, AIK find themselves nine points off the top three and dangerously close to the relegation zone.

The beginning of the season was promising for AIK, remaining unbeaten in their first five games with three wins and two draws. However, they have struggled since, winning only three of their next ten fixtures and suffering seven defeats. This poor run of form led to the departure of former manager Henning Berg, with Mikkjal Thomassen taking the helm. Thomassen, previously managing Fredrikstad FK with an impressive record, will be keen to stabilise AIK’s ship.

GAIS’ Impressive Return

GAIS are enjoying a remarkable first season back in the top flight of Swedish football since their relegation in 2012. They currently occupy sixth place, just four points shy of the European spots with a game in hand. Their recent 2-0 victory over AIK ended a three-game winless streak, and they are eager to build on that performance.

Fredrik Holmberg, who has overseen GAIS' back-to-back promotions, has managed to solidify their defence, which ranks as the fifth-best in the league with 20 goals conceded. However, their attacking output has been less impressive, scoring the fewest goals among the top nine teams. Their away form has been a significant concern, losing five of their seven away fixtures, including defeats in their last four.

Expected Lineups and Tactical Insights

AIK’s Probable Lineup

AIK are likely to field a lineup featuring Nordfeldt in goal, with a back four of Thychosen, Milosevic, Hansen, and Edh. The midfield is expected to include Modesto, Dabo, Saletros, and Celina, supporting the strike partnership of Guidetti and Pittas.

AIK’s attack will heavily rely on Ioannis Pittas, who leads their scoring charts with nine goals in 15 appearances. His partnership with the experienced John Guidetti could pose a significant threat to GAIS' defence.

GAIS’ Probable Lineup

GAIS are expected to start with Krasniqi between the posts, with a defensive line consisting of Wangberg, Noren, Beckman, and Ibrahim. The midfield is likely to feature Lundgren, Aberg, and Milovanovic, while Amatkarijo, Hedlund, and Celik will lead the attack.

Despite missing key players like Egzon Binaku and Robin Frej, GAIS will look to maintain the same starting eleven that secured a victory over AIK last week.

Key Areas and Player Duels

Midfield Control

The battle in midfield will be crucial. AIK's Saletros, known for his accurate passing (84.8% accuracy), will aim to dictate the tempo and create opportunities. GAIS' Milovanovic, with his defensive prowess, will try to disrupt AIK's flow and launch counter-attacks.

Attacking Threats

Ioannis Pittas' form will be vital for AIK. His ability to find the net consistently poses a constant danger. For GAIS, the focus will be on their forward trio of Amatkarijo, Hedlund, and Celik, who need to step up to improve their goal-scoring record.

Gameplay Prediction

Given both teams' current form and tactical setups, the game is expected to be tightly contested. AIK's aggressive approach, characterised by their 15.1 shots per game, will likely see them dominate possession and create multiple scoring opportunities. GAIS, on the other hand, will aim to absorb pressure and hit AIK on the counter, leveraging their speed and clinical finishing.

Strengths and Weaknesses

AIK's Pros and Cons

AIK's attacking setup, featuring high pressing and swift transitions, is a major strength. Pittas and Guidetti's partnership can be lethal if they find their rhythm. However, AIK's defensive frailties, highlighted by their 32 goals conceded in 15 matches, remain a significant concern. Thomassen's task will be to shore up this defence without compromising their attacking threat.

GAIS' Pros and Cons

GAIS' defensive solidity has been commendable under Holmberg. Their ability to maintain a compact shape and frustrate opponents has been key to their success. However, their attacking output needs improvement, with only 19 goals scored in 15 games. Away from home, their form has been poor, losing five of seven matches, which could be their undoing against a motivated AIK side.

Managerial Analysis

Thomassen's brief tenure at AIK has shown promise, but his defensive setup needs work. His track record at Fredrikstad FK suggests he can build resilient teams, but replicating that at AIK is proving challenging. Holmberg, in contrast, has done an excellent job at GAIS, guiding them through successive promotions and stabilising their defence. However, his tactics need to evolve to address their attacking deficiencies and poor away form.

Predictions

Best Bet: AIK to Win to Nil

AIK's strong home form, coupled with GAIS' struggles on the road, makes AIK to win to nil a solid bet. AIK have won five of their seven home matches, scoring 18 goals and conceding few. GAIS' inability to score away from home strengthens this prediction.

Correct Score: AIK 2-0 GAIS

Building on the best bet, a 2-0 victory for AIK seems plausible. AIK's attacking prowess at home, combined with GAIS' defensive issues away, suggests a comfortable win for the hosts. Pittas and Guidetti are likely to find the net, making a 2-0 scoreline realistic.

Goalscorer Prediction: Ioannis Pittas to Score

Pittas, AIK's top scorer, is in excellent form and will be the main threat to GAIS' defence. His positioning and finishing ability make him a strong candidate to score in this match. Given his track record, he is expected to add to his tally.

First Team to Score: AIK

AIK's aggressive start and home advantage point to them scoring first. Their tendency to dominate early on, combined with GAIS' defensive lapses, makes AIK likely to break the deadlock.

Innovative Market: AIK Total Shots on Target Over 6.5

AIK’s attacking style, averaging 15.1 shots per game with 4.6 on target, suggests they will surpass 6.5 shots on target against GAIS. Their aggressive approach and GAIS’ defensive weaknesses align well with this market.able.

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