- Relegation status: Halmstads BK are in the relegation zone, having taken 8 points from 18 matches in Allsvenskan 2026.
- Table position: Kalmar FF sit 13th in the table with 18 points from 17 games, putting them just above the relegation battle.
- Recent form: Kalmar FF are in slightly better form than Halmstads BK, having won two of their last five matches.
Both sides in need of points and not looking pretty
Stuart Baxter's appointment as Halmstads BK coach on 7 May 2026 has changed the outlook of the players and fans in the Allsvenskan 2026 relegation zone, but it hasn't yet resulted in much progress for the team themselves. Bollklubben are still deep in trouble in 16th place with eight points from 18 played.
Their latest results have been a 1-0 defeat away to Häcken and a 1-1 draw away to Örgryte FF. The hosts are hoping to cause an upset on Saturday.
However, a record of zero wins, two draws and three defeats in their last five doesn't exactly suggest they will make it three in a row against the division's 13th-placed side.
Kalmar have an edge in head-to-head
Kalmar FF will be the slight favorites here at 1.99, with Halmstads BK priced at 3.56 and the draw at 3.45. These odds are slightly puzzling given the hosts' recent poor form and the fact they have failed to beat Kalmar FF in their last two attempts.
The head-to-head record between the teams over the last three matches reads one win for Halmstads BK and two wins for Kalmar FF, with no draws. Kalmar FF won the most recent matchup 2-0 at home in Allsvenskan 2026, and they are likely to be the winners here as well.
Back the visitors in a close one
Tactics and form
Toni Koskela has led Smålands Stolthet since 1 January 2025 and during his tenure he has got them playing a compact, aggressive style that is drilled enough to thrive in transition. However, they are still in search of a first away win in Allsvenskan 2026 after eight trips, with their record showing one draw and seven defeats.
Kalmar FF's away record in Allsvenskan 2026 has shown them to be in control but not comfortable, with 0.88 goals per game being scored and 2.12 conceded.
- The club's top scorer, Omar Faraj, has only three goals in Allsvenskan 2026, and they have looked completely blunt throughout the campaign.
- Rocco Ascone has been their spark in the last five, however, providing two of their two goals in that spell.
- In Charlie Rosenqvist they have their main goal threat, with seven in 17, while in Charles Sagoe Jr they have their creative engine, with seven assists in 17.
Prediction
We think the visitors should win this match but the newfound defensive-first setup of Halmstads could keep it close to the odds. Our preferred selection is 'Kalmar FF or draw' in the double chance market, as the pressure will be on the home side to push forward and make things happen, but this won't suit their new game plan. Kalmar FF will be able to dictate the pace and if Halmstads get sloppy in build-up, they will get in behind and punish the home team.
