GAIS vs AIK predictions ahead of this clash in the Swedish Allsvenskan. GAIS will host AIK Fotboll at Gamla Ullevi for Monday’s closely matched Allsvenskan contest. Read on for our free betting tips and predictions.
Swedish Allsvenskan | Jul 22, 2024 at 6pm UK at Gamla Ullevi
GAIS vs AIK Predictions
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Can GAIS Continue Their Home Dominance Against AIK?
Key Stats
– GAIS have won five of their last six home matches.
– AIK have conceded an average of three goals per away game this season.
– Ioannis Pittas has scored in each of his last four Allsvenskan appearances.
Two closely matched teams, GAIS and AIK Fotboll, are set to clash at Gamla Ullevi in the Allsvenskan on Monday. With GAIS sitting seventh with 22 points from 14 matches, they hold a narrow two-point lead over their eighth-placed opponents, AIK. This encounter promises to be a fascinating battle as both teams seek to improve their standings.
A Rollercoaster Ride for GAIS
Having achieved back-to-back promotions, GAIS have adapted well to the top flight, holding a respectable top-half position in their first Allsvenskan season since 2011-12. However, their recent form has been a cause for concern for manager Fredrik Holmberg. The team has managed only one point from their last three league matches, with a heavy 4-0 defeat to Halmstad, a goalless draw against Hammarby, and a 3-1 loss to Sirius in their most recent outing.
Despite these setbacks, GAIS have been formidable at home, winning five and drawing one of their last six matches at Gamla Ullevi. Their strong defensive displays, which include three clean sheets in their last four home games, will be crucial against AIK. Holmberg will be keen to see his team return to winning ways and solidify their defensive strengths.
AIK’s Inconsistent Journey
AIK started the 2024 Allsvenskan campaign strongly, with three wins and two draws in their first five matches. However, their form has dipped in recent months, with three wins and six losses in their last nine league games. Their recent 2-1 away victory over Halmstad, thanks to goals from Rui Modesto and Ioannis Pittas, provided a much-needed boost. This win marked their first away triumph since July 23 and was Henok Goitom’s final game as interim manager before Mikkjal Thomassen took over.
Thomassen’s appointment as AIK’s new manager from Fredrikstad brings a fresh perspective, but he faces the challenge of improving AIK’s consistency and away performance. With four defeats in their seven away league games this season, AIK will need to step up their game to secure a positive result against a resilient GAIS side.
Team News and Lineups
GAIS will be without Egzon Binaku, Jonas Lindberg, and Richard Friday due to injuries, while Anes Cardaklija remains doubtful after being forced off against Sirius. Additionally, midfielders Amin Boudri and Henriksson are suspended. However, William Milovanovic and Joackim Aberg return from one-match bans. The expected lineup for GAIS includes Krasniqi in goal; Wangberg, Noren, Beckman, and Frej in defence; Aberg, Ibrahim, and Milovanovic in midfield; and Lundgren, Celik, and Holmstrom in attack.
AIK will miss the injured Abdihakin Ali, Alexander Fesshaie, and Martin Ellingsen. Thomassen might stick with the same XI that started the recent win over Halmstad, featuring Nordfelt in goal; Thychosen, Milosevic, Tiedemann, and Edh in defence; Modesto, Saletros, Dabo, and Celina in midfield; and Faraj and Pittas in attack.
Tactical Analysis
GAIS’s tactical approach under Holmberg has relied heavily on solid defensive organisation and quick counter-attacks. With an average ball possession of 43.3%, they are comfortable allowing opponents to have the ball and then pouncing on mistakes. Their defensive stats, including an average of 17.7 tackles and 12 interceptions per game, highlight their combative style.
AIK, on the other hand, prefer to control possession, boasting an average of 51.4% ball possession and a passing accuracy of 84.9%. Their midfield, led by Saletros and Dabo, will aim to dominate the centre of the park and create opportunities for their forwards. However, their defensive frailties, with 2.1 goals conceded per game, remain a significant concern.
Key Player Duels
One of the critical battles on the pitch will be between GAIS’s Alexander Ahl Holmstrom and AIK’s Alexander Milosevic. Holmstrom, who has scored four goals this season, will be looking to exploit any gaps in AIK’s defence. Milosevic, a seasoned defender, will need to be at his best to keep Holmstrom at bay.
Another intriguing duel will be in the midfield between GAIS’s William Milovanovic and AIK’s Bersant Celina. Milovanovic’s return from suspension will bolster GAIS’s midfield, and his ability to break up play and drive forward will be crucial. Celina, with his creative flair and vision, will look to unlock GAIS’s defence and supply his forwards.
Gameplay Predictions
GAIS’s gameplay is likely to revolve around their defensive solidity and quick transitions. Their home form suggests they will be tough to break down, and they will look to hit AIK on the counter. AIK, with their higher possession and passing accuracy, will aim to control the tempo of the game and create scoring opportunities through their midfield dominance.
Areas for Improvement
For GAIS, improving their away form is crucial. Their performances at Gamla Ullevi have been impressive, but replicating this success on the road is essential for a higher league finish. They also need to increase their goal-scoring efficiency, converting more of their chances.
AIK must address their defensive vulnerabilities, particularly in away games. Conceding an average of three goals per away match is unsustainable if they aim to climb the table. Enhancing their consistency and finding a balance between attack and defence will be key under Thomassen’s leadership.
Strengths and Weaknesses
GAIS’s strength lies in their robust home form and defensive resilience. However, their inconsistency and struggles in away matches are significant weaknesses. AIK’s strength is their possession-based play and ability to create chances, but their defensive lapses and inconsistency are major drawbacks.
Managerial Critique
Fredrik Holmberg has done well to stabilise GAIS in the top flight, but his tactical inflexibility and inability to arrest their recent slump are concerning. He needs to adapt and find ways to improve GAIS’s form, especially on the road.
Mikkjal Thomassen, newly appointed at AIK, brings a fresh perspective but faces a daunting task in fixing their defensive issues and achieving consistency. His tenure at Fredrikstad was promising, but he must prove his worth in the more competitive Allsvenskan.
Expected Goals Analysis
GAIS’s attacking statistics, with 1.2 goals per game and an average of 14.9 shots per match, indicate a capable forward line. However, their defensive record of 1.4 goals conceded per game suggests vulnerability. AIK, with a higher average of 1.9 goals per game and 15.1 shots per match, possess a potent attack. Their defensive woes, conceding 2.1 goals per game, highlight the need for improvement.
Predictions
Based on the analysis, here are the top predictions for this match:
Best Bet: GAIS to Win and Both Teams to Score GAIS’s formidable home form and AIK’s defensive struggles on the road make this a compelling bet. GAIS have scored consistently at home, while AIK have managed to score in their recent away games, despite losing.
Correct Score Prediction: GAIS 2-1 AIK Given GAIS’s strong home record and AIK’s defensive issues, a 2-1 victory for the hosts seems plausible. GAIS’s ability to score and AIK’s tendency to concede goals align with this prediction.
Goalscorer Prediction: Ioannis Pittas to Score Pittas has been in fine form, scoring in each of his last four Allsvenskan appearances. His recent performances make him a strong candidate to find the net against GAIS.
First Half Result: GAIS to Lead at Half-Time GAIS’s strong starts at home and AIK’s tendency to struggle early in away matches suggest that the hosts will be leading at the break. GAIS’s aggressive approach from the outset should see them take an early lead.
Innovative Market Prediction: Player Assist – Bersant Celina Celina’s creative play and ability to deliver key passes make him a strong contender for registering an assist. With AIK likely to have more possession, Celina will have opportunities to create chances for his teammates.
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