Halmstads 0-0 Trelleborgs 14th March 2010

Both sides kept each other at bay at the Orjans Vall. This was a game that either side could've won but neither looked like they wanted the three points. An ok start for both sides to the new campaign but will want to have points on the board after five games. Trelleborgs, though seem a good bet for a surprise this year.

BK Hacken 2-1 Djurgarden 14th March 2010

The result BK Hacken wanted. A narrow victory over a Djurgarden side that continued their poor run of Allsvenskan matches. It was Paulinho who opened the scoring for the Goteborg side after 21 minutes of play.

Djurgarden hit-back ten minutes into the 2nd half thanks to a fine finish from new signing Kennedy Igboananike. The Nigerian with his first goal for Djurgarden. BK Hacken responded by re-taking the lead this time it was Mattias Ostberg scoring just after the hour-mark.

The victory went to the home side and next week they face a Goteborg derby against IFK. Djurgarden meanwhile are at home to Helsingborgs and will definitely need an improved showing if they are to register the points early.

Helsingborgs 1-0 IF Brommapojkarna 14th March 2010

A last-minute goal from Mattias Lindstrom rescued the three points for Helsingborgs at home to IF Brommapojkarna. The result means Helsingborgs are off to a winning start and although this wasn't terribly convincing it is three points on the board.

IF Brommapojkarna can count themselves unlucky to lose where a point probably was a fair result.

Kalmar 0-3 IFK Goteborg 13th March 2010

The start that IFK Goteborg were looking for. The runners-up last year set about their intentions of winning that title in October by comfortably dispatching a surprisingly below-par Kalmar side.

The away side were ahead within the half-hour with 2009's joint top-scorer Tobias Hysén getting off the mark.

Five minuets into the 2nd period Hysén got his 2nd as IFK took control of the game. Kalmar had few chances and were hit with a killer 3rd on 67 minuets when Hjalmar Jonsson slotted past Petter Wasta. The Icelandic may become a vital player this year for the Goteborg giants.

A fantastic start for IFK but Kalmar will definitely need to improve if they are to come close of emulating the 2008 title win.

Kalmar: Petter Wasta (g.k): Emin Nouri, Tobias Carlsson, Paulus Arajuuri, Stefan Larsson, Tobias Eriksson, Henrik Rydstrom (C), Erik Israelsson, Daniel Sobralense, Ricardo Santos, Abiola Dauda subs: Etrit Berisha (g.k), Marcus Lindberg, Daryl Smylie, Jimmie Augustsson, Stefan Alander, Jael Ferreira, Mattias Johansson

IFK Goteborg: Kim Christensen (g.k): Erik Lund, Ragnar Sigurdsson, Karl Svensson, Hjalmar Jonsson, Stefan Selakovic (C), Gustav Svensson, Alexander Faltsetas, Theodór Bjarnsson, Par Eriksson, Tobias Hysén subs: Marcus Sandberg (g.k), Tuomo Turunen, Thomas Olsson, Jakob Johansson, Tobias Sana, Sebastian Eriksson, William Atashadeh

Venue: Fredriksskans

Time: 16:00

It's Back

Finally it's here the new season begins today with Kalmar hosting IFK Goteborg. This is a tough looking game for IFK to start with as they look to banish the pain of 2009.

Elsewhere in Round 1.

Sunday afternoon sees Helsingborgs begin with a home game against IF Brommapojkarna in a game that I see Helsingborgs winning.

2009 surprise package BK Hacken host 2009 flops Djurgarden in a game that may have goals about it. BK Haken to win though.

Halmstads will look to a bright 2010 with a home game against Trelleborgs. Draw in this game but Trelleborgs I feel may be a surprise package this year.

Finally on Sunday champions AIK host Suprettan champions Mjallby at the Rasunda. Simply going one way this game and that's an AIK victory by 3-0 I think. Mjallby seem to be in for a difficult season.

Monday hosts the final three games of the round. Gefle host Elfsborg in a fascinating game in Gavle. Gefle will be out to make 2010 their year while Elfsborg will hopefully be chasing the title.

Orebro host newly promoted Atvidabergs at the Behrn Arena. 2010 may have some surprises for Orebro while Atvidabergs will definetly be battling against the drop.

Finally GAIS host Malmo a game that may go either way. Malmo after two lean years may finally chase Europe and maybe higher but for GAIS beating the drop will be a success.

One week to go!

Allsvenskan 2010 is just a week away. Having seen one of the closest title races in 2009 can we expect more of the same this year? the answer may very well be yes. Many sides are looking good among these are Elfsborg, IFK Goteborg, Kalmar, AIK? and maybe Helsingborgs.

Predictions:

My predictions were well off last year as I predicted Elfsborg to win the title. But I am going to stick with Elfsborg for this year because I still beleive they have the strongest squad in the league. Yes IFK Goteborg have good players and were unlucky in 2009 but Elfsborg have had this squad for years now and it's about time they add a title to the 2007 success.

Europe:

Obviously the race for Europe will be tight. BK Hacken were desperatly unlucky not to snatch a Europa League place from Kalmar but they have a bit of experience now and could challenge. Malmo will be stronger this year. They lacked consistency last year despite that late season push. Helsingborgs will definetly be back in the mix and Orebro might cause a shock or two. Gefle may also challenge having made some good signings during the winter.

Relegation:

Relegation has been tight in recent years but having lost Hammarby in 2009 the scrap could involve another big name. Djurgarden I think will be safe this year and may not be involved at all. IF Brommapojkarna will be in trouble but they will be joined by Mjallby and Atvidabergs in the fight. GAIS may also be dragged into the frame again.

So there it is my predictions. Last year I was pathetic at my predictions but I have a feeling I have success this year. Elfsborg for the title. Mjallby, Atvidabergs to go back down and IF Brommapojkarna to go into the play-off.

Wales 0-1 Sweden

Sweden prepared for the upcoming Euro 2012 qualifying campaign with a win over Wales in Swansea on Wednesday night.

The game was played in front of just 8,000 fans but those fans got to see a top quality strike from struggling Bolton striker Johan Elmander. Since his switch to England in 2008, Elmander has struggled for top form but this strike showed his class.

Salzburg goalkeeper Eddie Gustafsson played well having been part of the Salzburg side that exited the Europa League last week.

Erik Hamrén still knows work is needed if the Swedes are to book a place in Poland and Ukraine this time two years.