The Swedish Allsvenskan will witness a thrilling encounter as AIK Fotboll hosts GAIS at the Friends Arena on matchday 16 of the 2024 season.
This match comes just a week after GAIS defeated AIK 2-0 at their home ground, putting GAIS five points ahead of AIK in the standings.
AIK Fotboll's Form
Since narrowly missing the Allsvenskan title in 2021, AIK has struggled to maintain top-tier performance, finishing fifth in 2022 and dropping to eleventh place in 2023.
Currently, they sit in eighth place with 20 points from 15 matches, nine points shy of the top three and four points above the relegation zone.
AIK's season started positively with three wins and two draws in their first five matches, but they have since won only three of their next ten fixtures, leading to the departure of former manager Henning Berg and the appointment of Mikkjal Thomassen.
GAIS' Stellar Season
GAIS, enjoying their first season back in the top flight since their relegation in 2012, are in sixth place, four points behind the European places with a game in hand.
Their 2-0 victory against AIK last week ended a three-match winless streak, showing their potential to push for a top-three finish.
Under Fredrik Holmberg's management, GAIS boasts the fifth-best defensive record in the league but has struggled offensively, netting the fewest goals among the top nine teams.
Team News
AIK Fotboll
AIK will be without Abdihakin Ali, Alexander Fesshaie Beraki, and Martin Ellingsen due to injuries.
Ioannis Pittas, the team's top scorer with nine goals in 15 appearances, is likely to partner with veteran John Guidetti in attack.
GAIS
GAIS will miss Egzon Binaku due to a knee injury and Robin Frej because of a concussion.
However, William Milovanovic and Joackim Aberg return from suspension. Following a solid performance last week, Holmberg might retain the same starting eleven.
Predicted Lineups
AIK Fotboll: Nordfeldt; Thychosen, Milosevic, Hansen, Edh; Modesto, Dabo, Saletros, Celina; Guidetti, Pittas
GAIS: Krasniqi; Wangberg, Noren, Beckman, Ibrahim; Lundgren, Aberg, Milovanovic; Amatkarijo, Hedlund, Celik
Prediction
Despite GAIS' recent victory over AIK and their overall better season, their poor away form might level the playing field.
AIK, motivated to avenge their defeat, could secure a draw. We predict a 1-1 result.
AIK 
GAIS 
