Helsingborgs (4) vs Hammarby (3)

16 points in six games turned Helsingborg into a serious title contender. Actually, in early August, they seemed both capable and likely to catch up on Kalmar. But as expectations grew, Helsingborgs failed. Despite such mediocre opposition as Halmstad, Ljungskile and Gefle, the southerners have lost all of their last three games and are seemingly out of the title race. They've got eleven points up to Kalmar and are six after runners-up Elfsborg.

This really doesn't come as a big surprise, even though it's obviously a disappointing situation for the HIF supporters. Helsingborgs are considered a big potential side but also one that alternate good runs with poor ones and in the end consequently proves not good enough to get the title. The reason for this is a good starting line-up but a very slim squad giving coach Bo Nilsson few alternatives. That's good enough for successful periods, but not for championship winning seasons.

Last Tuesday, they lost 0-3 at poor Gefle, going 0-2 down after 35 minutes. And the home side gained themselves a well deserved win. Big star forward Henrik Larsson had to play in midfield as Isaac Chansa left the field a couple of minutes before the break.

Hammarby are in a similar situation as Helsingborgs. Following a successful period with mostly wins, they're now out of form with a single win in the last six games. And the situation would have been worse had they not been enjoying several late goals. They scored a 94th minute equaliser at home to Ljungskile, got a 94th minute winner at Sundsvall and last Monday got a dying minutes equaliser in the scandalous derby against AIK. Those three late goals have given them six points in five games.

With AIK going 2-1 ahead, thanks to a wrongly given penalty five minutes from the final whistle, Hammarby hooligans sent firecrackers at the AIK's goalkeeper. The referee held the game for some ten minutes and then, wrongly again, allowed it to continue. The latter mistake proved fortunate for Hammarby as substitute Suleyman Sleyman scored his first ever league goal in eight years.

Still, a win would have been necessary to at least have a decent chance to win the title. A draw means they will continue to rank third with Helsingborgs fourth. And that's pretty much what Hammarby will have to aim for - ending up third to get that final UEFA Cup ticket.

The consequences from that scandalous derby are yet to be seen. Hammarby, having been involved in similar incidents previously, should expect a heavy punishment. They could be given “only” heavy fines but also a number of games behind closed gates. Such a punishment should hit the Stockholm side hard. They've got a good home record and a well-known good atmosphere at their own ground surely has helped them through to that record.

Such an interruption added to their mediocre form would make it even harder to get through the tough period awaiting. Hammarby are to face Helsingborgs, Kalmar and Elfsborg in successive games.

With ten games to go, Helsingborgs and Hammarby are absolutely equal. Both have 34 points and 32-26 in goals. Further on, both are suffering poor results even though Hammarby have enjoyed decisive late goals. Helsingborgs recently lost their first home game this season and are totally out of form. Hammarby will have to make it without key midfield player Louay Chanko, who received his third booking against AIK and consequently is suspended. I could see these two sides get a point each and then most likely be definitely out of the title race.