Malmo FF host IFK Goteborg in Allsvenskan on Sunday as both sides battle mid-table struggles and relegation fears. The clash at Eleda Stadion comes at a critical juncture for Gaute Helstrup’s side, who are just six points clear of the drop zone with 49 points from 30 games.

What’s been happening at Malmo FF?

Helstrup took charge after Malmö’s disastrous start under Miguel Angel Ramirez, who was sacked in May following four straight losses. His first match in charge saw a 1–0 win over Degerfors, but the side remains stuck in mid-table with just six wins from 30 games. The team has conceded at least twice in six of their last eight fixtures and still hasn’t kept a clean sheet all season.

The Blåvitt have also lost five of their last eight top-flight matches, sitting 26 points behind leaders Mjällby AIF. Their defensive frailties have been exposed repeatedly, with only Orgryte conceding more goals in Allsvenskan. With a Conference League qualifier against either Caernarfon Town or Levadia Tallinn looming, Malmö need a positive result to regain momentum.

Why this match matters for Malmo FF

This fixture is more than just three points on the board for Malmö. The side has lost both league meetings with IFK Goteborg this season without scoring, and a win would go a long way toward restoring confidence under Helstrup. The Norwegian coach, who arrived from Bodø/Glimt, has already shown he can deliver immediate impact—but now faces the tougher task of sustaining it.

Malmö’s attack will rely on Erik Botheim, who has been involved in a goal in each of his last five league appearances, and Sead Haksabanovic. But the absence of veteran captain Anders Christiansen and defender Pontus Jansson—both ruled out for the season—leaves big gaps to fill. The side’s goal difference stands at +13 after 46 goals scored and 33 conceded.

Team news and likely lineups

Malmö will be without Christiansen and Jansson, while IFK Goteborg welcome back Jonas Bager and Kolbeinn Thordarson after one-match bans. Danish striker Max Fenger, who netted 12 goals in 2025, has struggled with fitness this term but remains their main attacking threat.

Malmo FF probable XI: Olsen; Larsen, Pálsson, Djuric, John; Busuladzic, Rosengren, Skogmar, Sjöstedt; Haksabanovic, Botheim

IFK Goteborg probable XI: Bishesari; Eriksson, Bager, Yeboah, Tolf; Ottosson, Kruse, Heintz; Clemmensen, Fenger, Wiberg

What to expect on Sunday

Malmö need a win to kickstart their title push and ease relegation fears. Helstrup’s side has shown flashes of quality but must tighten up at the back. IFK Goteborg, meanwhile, are fighting for survival and have conceded more goals than any team bar Orgryte. A clean sheet for either side would be a rarity.

Malmo FF currently sit sixth in Allsvenskan with 49 points from 30 games, 13 wins, 10 draws and 7 losses. Their next fixture comes away to GAIS on August 16, 2026.