The upcoming clash between Kalmar and Vasteras SK in the Swedish Allsvenskan promises to be a pivotal match for both teams.
As the league's basement dwellers face-off, Kalmar will host the newly-promoted Vasteras SK at the Guldfageln Arena on Sunday afternoon.
Kalmar's Current Form
Kalmar enters this match after a disheartening 5-0 defeat against league leaders Malmo.
Despite a two-goal victory over Varnamo earlier in May, Kalmar has struggled to maintain consistency.
Currently positioned 15th in the league standings, the Red Brothers are in dire need of a turnaround to avoid relegation.
Vasteras' Struggles
Vasteras SK, on the other hand, has found life in the top tier challenging.
They sit at the bottom of the table with only five points, having scored just four goals in 11 matches.
Their recent performances have seen some improvement, with back-to-back draws against Sirius and Brommapojkarna, but they remain five points adrift of Kalmar.
Team News
Kalmar
Kalmar will be without Carl Gustafsson, who is recovering from a head injury, and Johan Karlsson, who has not featured competitively in 2024.
After the heavy defeat to Malmo, head coach Henrik Jensen is likely to make several changes to his starting lineup.
Alex Gersbach and Abdussalam Magashy may be promoted from the bench to provide fresh impetus.
Vasteras SK
Vasteras will miss Simon Gefvert due to a cruciate ligament injury. Teenager Alexander Warneryd is expected to continue filling in on the right flank.
Defensively, Vasteras has shown some solidity recently, conceding only one goal in their last two matches. They are likely to stick with a back three of Mikael Marques, Frederic Nsabiyumva, and Alex Douglas.
Prediction
Given their respective forms, Kalmar is expected to capitalise on home advantage and secure a crucial victory. Vasteras' away record is poor, having scored just once in five away games.
Our prediction is for Kalmar to win 1-0, offering a glimmer of hope in their fight against relegation.
Kalmar 
Västerås SK 
