After 15 and 16 matches respectively, Sundsvall and Helsingborgs find themselves amongst the candidates for a relegation battle in the 2022 edition of the Allsvenskan, along with Degefors IF. This added a whole extra dimension to the tie when they faced off in the most recent round of fixtures. So far this campaign, Helsingborgs’ biggest problem has been their lack of goals, having netted just 12 times in 16 games at the time of writing. Their defensive record, while far from impressive, is not the issue – they have conceded 23 times, while other teams around them have shipped over 30 already. If they are to survive relegation, it will likely be thanks to other defensive resilience.
This fixture saw them claim a 1-0 win, just their second victory all season. This tactical analysis will look at how they approached their recent fixture against Sundsvall both in defensive and attacking capacities that led to them taking the lead, along with a mini analysis of two players who were key in this win – Benjamin Acquah and Taha Ali.
Lineups
Hosts Helsingborgs set themselves up in a 4-2-3-1 shape. Between the sticks was Kalle Joelsson who keeps former Premier League goalkeeper Anders Lindegaard out of the side – you may remember him from his spell at Manchester United between 2011-2015. The back four consisted of Ravy Tsouka, Casper Widell, ex-Celtic man Thomas Rogne who also has EFL experience with Wigan Athletic, and Viljormur Davidsen from right to left. Defensive protection in midfield came from Benjamin Acquah and Alexander Faltsetas, with Armin Gigović operating in front of them with more of an attacking licence. Wide support came in the form of Joseph Amoako on the right flank and Taha Ali on the left. Rasmus Wiedesheim-Paul was the lone striker.
Fellow league struggles GIF Sundsvall deployed a 3-5-2 shape, with Alexander Blomqvist being accompanied at the back by Rasmus Lindkvist (who is a left-back or winger by trade really) and former MLS man Forrest Lasso. The central trio in midfield involved Joe Corona, Pontus Silfwer, and Marcus Burman, with wide support being provided by wing-backs Dennis Olsson and Robert Lundström. Pontus Engblom paired up with Ronaldo Damus up top.
