Malmö FF prepare for Örgryte IS as key players return

Malmö FF are preparing for their home match against Örgryte IS in Allsvenskan with several players expected to return. The team will, however, be without the suspended Sead Haksabanovic, while Diego García's availability is uncertain due to an ankle injury. Mayckel Lahdo, who came on as a substitute around the 60th minute in the match against AIK, is now expected to start on one of the wings. Anton Höög and Isaac Assibu are also available for selection, giving the coach more attacking options. Lahdo can play on either flank due to being two-footed, and if Assibu plays on the left, the front three could be Assibu, Gudjohnsen and Lahdo.

In midfield, Lundbergh, Busuladzic and Milosavljevic are competing for the last starting spot. Busuladzic started on the right against AIK, but Gaute Helstrup said it is not a long-term solution. Lundbergh showed good defensive work when played as a left wing-back in that game, while Milosavljevic did not score despite positive recent performances. All three are expected to get playing time against Örgryte IS.

Örgryte IS arrive at the match having sold their top scorer Noah Christoffersson at the end of the transfer window, a move seen as preparation for a possible relegation play-off in 2027 rather than focusing on avoiding relegation in 2026. The team, coached by Andreas Holmberg with shared responsibility alongside Tobias Solberg, often lines up in a 3-4-3 or 3-5-2 formation. Tobias Sana, despite being 37 years old, remains the team's playmaker and is responsible for the majority of their creative output.

Malmö FF sit eighth in Allsvenskan with 30 points from 20 games, with a goal difference of +3 after scoring 33 and conceding 30. They are 15 points behind league leaders Sirius. The most recent result was a goalless home draw against AIK on September 7. Ahead of the next fixture against BK Häcken on October 18, Malmö FF previously lost 3-2 away to the same side on May 10.

Johan Hammar, a former Malmö FF player, is expected to start in defence for Örgryte IS after his summer move from BK Häcken. Benjamin Laturnus has been a solid central midfielder for Örgryte IS since joining from HTFF before the season, despite interest from other clubs during the transfer window. Club captain Daniel Paulson, who has played for Örgryte IS for over a decade, is also expected to start.

Örgryte IS have four points to reach safety from relegation and their last win came against AIK in round 15, where Noah Christoffersson scored a hat-trick in a 3-0 victory at Friends Arena. Since then, they have drawn with Hammarby in the previous round.

Since 2009, Malmö FF have won nine Swedish league titles and played several group stages in European competitions, while Örgryte IS have mostly been in Superettan during the same period. The first meeting between the sides in 2009 ended 3-0 to Malmö FF, with goals from Labinot Harbuzi and two from Agon Mehmeti.

After the match against AIK, Gaute Helstrup said: "det inte är en långsiktig lösning" regarding Kenan Busuladzic starting on the right wing. Malmö FF have not further commented on Diego García's injury, but the club confirmed that several players are returning to the squad.

The team aims to build on their recent form of three wins, one draw and one loss in the last five matches. The next step is the home match against BK Häcken on October 18, where Malmö FF hope to challenge a side currently sitting fourth in the table.