The bussiness end begins!

As August gets ready to pack away for another year we are reaching the bussiness end of the season in Sweden. So far we have seen surprise packages or two and we have seen some big players leave for advanetures abroad but that all goes out the window come the next round of matches in mid-September. September is the 2nd last month of the Allsvenskan, with a relegation fight that sees unfamiliar names and a title race that is one of the most exciting in recent years.

Title Race:
The title race so far has four teams in the running with both BK Hacken and Helsingborgs not out of the race yet. Current champions Kalmar struggled early on but have found form during the summer and another big push is needed. Elfsborg, last year's runners-up have exited the Europa league and can now focus 100% on the title race. IFK Goteborg sold a couple of key players but have stayed in touch while AIK have been re-born this year following years of disappointment.
Both BK Hacken and Helsingborgs are not out of the race either. BK Hacken have been the best surprise package and could end up going into European competition. Helsingborgs are also looking at qualifying for Europe.

European Hopefuls:
There are three teams that only last year were struggling in the relegation dog-fight pusing for Europe. Gefle have been impressive with their home form. Orebro have their home form to thank plus their impressive away form. Trelleborgs, favourites to go down in 2008 are also lurking up there.

No Danger:
Currnetly Malmo look like having an average run to the end of the season. Locked in mid-table the southerners have no real hope of making Europe, barring a fantastic run, nor is relegation in real danger although a couple of more points will be needed.

Relegation Fight:
The relegation dog-fight of 2009 has unfamiliar names with Orgryte, Djurgarden and Hammarby all looking likely to be going down. Orgryte went the 1st half of the season without a win while Djurgarden haven't done much better. Hammarby are struggling to replace the players lost over last winter and summer. GAIS and IF Brommapojkarna are in the mix and Halmstads are on a terrible run and are no involved.