Ostersunds FK vs IFK Norrkoping Predictions

Ostersunds are slipping towards the lower reaches of the table following a poor run of form. Will the hosts be even closer to the drop zone following their meeting with Norrkoping on Sunday? The visitors may be juggling competitions, but they come into this game in good form with ambitions of climbing the table. A return to Europe could be on the cards for Norrkoping, as long as their current continental ambitions don’t string them up going into this visit to Ostersund.

The hosts have experienced European football pretty recently, with their Europa League run earning Graham Potter a switch to England. Since his departure, things haven’t gone so well for them, while they now sit in 10th place in the Allsvenskan. They are just five points clear of the bottom three after a tough campaign, which has seen them win just three of their 14 matches this term. That poor record is likely to hold them back here, as they meet one of the league’s top sides.

Norrkoping have lost only one of their away league games this term, while they have the second-best record on the road overall. They’ve made excellent strides this term, while they have one foot in the next round of the Europa League. Midweek saw them win 2-0 away at St Pats in the first leg of their first qualifying round clash. They’re bidding to continue their European adventure, but they need to focus on the league if they’re to return to Europe next season.

The visitors are making a push for the top six, with their great away form kicking them on. They’ve picked up 54% of their points away from home, so they will need to keep securing points on the road. Their latest win at St Pats kept up that good away record, while it removes the pressure for Thursday’s second leg. Now Norrkoping can focus on this clash, but can they pull off a win?

Ostersunds have failed to win their last five games, which gives an opening to the visitors. Norrkoping have won four of their last five matches, while they’ve scored at least twice in their last five away trips. They’ve won three on the bounce on the road, while they won both meetings with Ostersunds last season. We’re backing Norrkoping to pull off another victory in this trip.