Last time the teams met in June, Hammarby put Djurgården on the brink with a 3-0 win. The big match hero then, Nahir Besara, doesn't think it will be as easy in this meeting.
The previous meeting was probably the most dominant performance I've been involved in in a derby, we were totally superior. But I definitely don't think the match will look the same way now. They will have done their homework and play in a different way, it will be a completely different match. I have great respect for Djurgården, it's a good team. But we will go out and do our best.
Hammarby's captain also means that the current table situation makes the derby extra special.
It's clear that this derby means a little extra when three Stockholm teams are fighting for two European spots. We are in it and it means extremely much, it's not just three ordinary points. Now European spots are at stake as well, so we are really motivated. We want to finish top three, says Besara.
Equal points
Before the derby, the two teams are on equal points. Djurgården is surrounded by headlines about the coaching duo Kim Bergstrand and Thomas Lagerlöf sitting loose. But it's not something you think about before the meeting, says Hammarby's coach Kim Hellberg.
From my perspective, Djurgården has had a good season, they are fighting for European spots. I don't think about their internal situation, but it's a good team with very many good players.
What are your thoughts on it being so tight in the battle between Stockholm teams for European spots?
It's fun, I think it shows that Stockholm football is on the rise again, that there are many good players, coaches, and teams here. But of course, we would rather be at the top ourselves, says Hellberg.
Hellberg also tells that he didn't think his first time in Hammarby would go so well, so fast.
I'm extremely happy and proud of our season, and will of course try to get good results in the last four matches as well. But so far, I think we've had a great season. I'm enormously proud of the players and their work effort, which has put us in a good position before the last matches.
Four rounds remain of Allsvenskan. Stockholm teams are fighting for European spots. Right now, Hammarby is on 47 points, Djurgården on 47 points, and AIK on 45 points.
Hammarby's remaining matches:
+ Djurgården (h), 20 October
+ Sirius (a), 26 October
+ Malmö FF (h), 2 November
+ Västerås (a), 10 November
Djurgården's remaining matches:
+ Hammarby (a), 20 October
+ Västerås (h), 28 October
+ Halmstad (a), 3 November
+ IFK Norrköping (h), 10 November
AIK's remaining matches:
+ IFK Göteborg (a), 21 October
+ Elfsborg (h), 27 October
+ Norrköping (a), 4 November
+ Halmstad (h), 10 November
