Jonkopings Sodra vs Halmstad Predictions, Betting Tips and Match Previews

This is a big game for both sides. Jonkopings Sodra are languishing in mid-table and their bid to secure an immediate return to the top flight hasn’t gone anywhere near as well as they were hoping. They are 9 points off their 3rd placed opponents but victory for the hosts would put them back on at least the fringes of the promotion picture. Defeat though could be terminal for their chances of playing Allsvenskan football in 2019.

They do come into this game on the back of a good result. They won 2-1 at Orgryte, another of the sides above them, last time out with two late goals turning that game around. However there have been too many unconvincing displays and they were well beaten by leaders Falkenberg in their most recent home match.

As for Halmstad, they are right where they want to be and that’s in the thick of the battle for promotion. They actually finished 6 points worse off than Jonkopings in the top flight last term as both sides dropped down to the Superettan. However they’ve made a much better fist of their attempt to get right back into the top flight and are just one point off the automatic promotion positions heading into this weekend.

The bookies make Jonkopings the favourites for the win but there are plenty of reasons to doubt that. Firstly they’ve been very poor at home this term, winning just 14% of their matches in front of their own fans in the league. For a side with promotion ambitions that’s a shocking record and their average of 0.86 points per home game is the third worst in the division.

What’s more this will be one of their toughest home tests of the season. Halmstad have the second best away record in this league averaging 1.86 points per game away from home. Only leaders Falkenberg can better that and they certainly enjoyed their visit to Stadsparksvallen the other weekend.

This game will see a real contrast in styles with Jonkopings generally quite a defensive side and 71% of their home games have seen under 2.5 goals. The visitors are far more expansive and tend to be involved in higher scoring matches and they will feel they have sufficient firepower to open up this Jonkopings defence.

Overall backing Halmstad Double Chance looks a pretty safe bet.