- Odds: Raków Czestochowa are the slight favorites here at 2.18 with Hammarby IF 3.33 and the draw 3.53.
- Recent form: Raków have won seven of their last ten in all competitions while Hammarby have won four, drawn two and lost four.
- Home/away form: Raków have won two and lost one of their last three home games, while Hammarby have won none, drawn one and lost one of their last two away games.
Contrasting styles should make for an interesting chess match
Tactical approaches
There's a clash of styles in store when Rakow Czestochowa host Hammarby IF in the UEFA Conference League qualification for 2026 on Thursday. Rakow are a side that can be disciplined in a low block, although they do morph into a back five out of possession and will invite Hammarby to attempt to break them down.
Managers and key players
Dawid Kroczek has done a fine job since taking over on 4 May 2026 as his side have kept things tight in defence, but with Patryk Makuch starting to find his stride up top with two goals in two appearances in this competition, they have a penalty box presence that could hurt Hammarby on Thursday. The Swedes play a more expansive 4-3-3 game with lots of pressing, width and quick vertical combinations through the half-spaces. Hammarby have been more front footed since Henrik Rydström took over on 6 June 2026 and Paulos Abraham has been a focal point in a team that have scored eight goals in their last five matches.
Raków have the momentum
Raków have won four of their last five games in all competitions, but their momentum has swung a little following a 1-2 home loss to Wisla Plock in Ekstraklasa and a 0-4 away win over Valletta FC in UEFA Conference League qualification.
Hammarby have drawn their last away match too, a 1-1 draw with IF Brommapojkarna in Allsvenskan, but their previous away game was a 3-1 defeat to RSC Anderlecht in UEFA Europa League qualification.
So, Raków are arguably the stronger side on paper, but Hammarby are the more positive one and could make this a close game by staying on top of Raków's build-up play and not giving them time and space on the ball.
Going for the goals
Raków's home form has been pretty solid with four wins and two defeats from six matches, averaging 2.17 goals scored and 1.00 conceded while Hammarby's away form has been less impressive with two wins, one draw and three defeats from six, averaging 1.67 goals per game.
Raków are the likelier winner at the prices quoted and their recent numbers are better, but Hammarby's pressing should ensure this is tight with both sides to get some joy in the game.
- Over 2.5 goals at 1.8 is the recommendation
- Both Teams to Score – Yes at 1.65 is equally as appealing as a main bet with the possibility of a narrow home win as the most likely outcome.
