Last season the modest Mjallby side pulled off a massive shock by lifting the Swedish title but as often happens the glory year has turned into a proper headache this time around. The champions are now battling just to stay in the mix for European spots and their form has dipped badly with six games without a win heading into this Champions League qualifier against Lincoln Red Imps. Even the World Cup break failed to spark any revival as they picked up two draws and a loss in their last three outings. In their most recent league outing they ground out a goalless draw with Vasteras where the backline kept a rare clean sheet after leaking goals in the previous eight matches.
Team Form
- Mjallby have won just one of their last ten competitive fixtures and sit well off the pace in the Allsvenskan title race.
- Lincoln Red Imps remain unbeaten in their opening European ties this summer after brushing aside Inter Club Escaldes from Andorra.
- The Gibraltar champions boast plenty of summer qualification experience while the Swedish side are making their first ever European appearance.
Both sides enter this tie with plenty to prove and the visitors will be looking to make history by going further than they have ever managed in Champions League qualifying. Mjallby on the other hand are simply trying to arrest a slide that has seen them drop points at home and away since the new campaign kicked off.
Tactical Analysis
The Swedes like to play with width and get crosses into the box but their attack has looked blunt lately with only a handful of goals in the last month. Lincoln Red Imps are compact and hard to break down on the road relying on quick counter attacks and set piece threats to nick results. Expect a cagey opening with both coaches prioritising defensive shape before taking risks later on. The physical demands of travelling to Sweden could test the Gibraltar side yet their familiarity with these early summer ties gives them a mental edge.
Betting Proposal
Given the attacking struggles on both sides yet the need for points to progress the most likely outcome is an open game where chances are created at either end. Mjallby will push forward at home but Lincoln have shown they can nick goals on the break. The smart play here is to back both teams finding the net which offers real value at the current odds.
Both teams to score yes at 2.15 looks the standout angle after weighing up recent form and the stakes involved in this qualifier.
