- IFK Goteborg have 2 wins and 3 losses in their last 5 games in all competitions.
- KAA Gent have 1 win, 3 draws and 1 loss in their last 5 in all competitions.
Tactical chess match at Gamla Ullevi
KAA Gent will face IFK Goteborg in a UEFA Conference League Qualification 2026 fixture played in Sweden at Gamla Ullevi this Thursday. There is no recent history between these clubs and nothing to indicate that this will be a grudge match, so the clash of tactics will be the intriguing subplot. In IFK, we have a team that press high in a 4-3-3 formation that can transform into a compact 4-2-1-3 when the ball is won back. They get their wide players into the opponent's box and create quick transitions with vertical runs.
In KAA Gent, we have a club that is typically set up in a 4-2-3-1 or a 4-3-3 system, they like to control the ball, but unlike IFK, they prefer a more measured possession approach and will look to break teams down in a more patient manner. Rik De Mil has done a good job since being handed the reins at the club in December 2025, he sets up his team in a pragmatic fashion and they're usually well organised, tough to break down and more than capable of getting results in European competitions.
IFK are a streaky side
The home side have won just 3 of their 10 games in all competitions this term, drawing 2 and losing 5. The 2 wins and 3 losses have come in their most recent 5 games and they're a streaky team that haven't quite found their rhythm yet. Joachim Bjoerklund has only recently taken over as head coach and his summer adjustments have been towards a more compact and pressing style of football.
Adam Bergmark Wiberg has been IFK's spark since the start of the season, with 2 goals in 2 games in UEFA Conference League Qualification 2026, he looks to be their most dangerous player. In the last 3 games, IFK have suffered a 1-2 home loss to FC Levadia Tallinn in UEFA Conference League Qualification 2026, a 4-1 away defeat to IK Sirius FK in Allsvenskan 2026, and a 1-3 away win over FC Levadia Tallinn in UEFA Conference League Qualification 2026. These 3 results indicate that IFK are a game of streaks and they'll need to turn the screw on KAA Gent from the start here.
KAA Gent are a solid outfit
KAA Gent have won 3 and drawn 5 of their 10 all-comp games this term, losing just twice. KAA Gent have won 1, drawn 3 and lost 2 of their 6 on the road in all competitions this year, conceding 14 goals on the way.
Going with the draw
The bookmakers have these teams priced at 137/100 and 177/100 respectively, which tells you all you need to know about the fixture. The draw sits at 49/20 and that's the bet to be on, it should be a tight fixture with KAA Gent edging it. 7/10 looks a little short for Over 2.5 goals, and BTTS - Yes at 57/100 has little appeal, but BTTS - No at 5/4 has some value if Gent keep it controlled.
