Last time the teams met in June, Hammarby put Djurgården on the brink with a 3-0 win. The big match hero back then, Nahir Besara, doesn't think it will be as easy this time around.
The previous meeting was probably the most dominant performance I've been part of in a derby, we were totally superior. But I definitely don't think the match will look the same this time. They'll have done their homework and play differently, it'll be a completely different match. I have great respect for Djurgården, it's a good team. But we'll go out and do our best.
Hammarby's captain also thinks 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're in the mix and it means extremely much, it's not just three ordinary points. Now, European spots are at stake as well, so we're really motivated. We want to finish top three, says Besara.
Equal points
Going into the derby, both teams are on the same points, and after series-leading Malmö FF's 1-1 draw against Västerås on Saturday, the Stockholm teams still have a theoretical chance at the championship title.
Djurgården is surrounded by headlines about the coaching duo Kim Bergstrand and Thomas Lagerlöf being on shaky ground. However, it's not something you think about before the match, according to Hammarby's coach Kim Hellberg.
From my perspective, Djurgården has had a good season, they're 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 the Stockholm teams for European spots?
"Really happy"
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'd rather be at the top ourselves, says Hellberg.
He didn't think it would go this well so soon.
I'm really happy and really proud of our season, and we'll of course try to get good results in the last four matches as well. But so far, I think we've had a really good season. I'm extremely proud of the players and their work effort, which has put us in a good position going into the last matches.
Four rounds remain in the Allsvenskan. The Stockholm teams are fighting for European spots. Currently, Hammarby is on 47 points, Djurgården on 47 points, and AIK on 45 points.
Hammarby's remaining matches:
+ Djurgården (h), October 20
+ Sirius (a), October 26
+ Malmö FF (h), November 2
+ Västerås (a), November 10
Djurgården's remaining matches:
+ Hammarby (a), October 20
+ Västerås (h), October 28
+ Halmstad (a), November 3
+ IFK Norrköping (h), November 10
AIK's remaining matches:
+ IFK Göteborg (a), October 21
+ Elfsborg (h), October 27
+ Norrköping (a), November 4
+ Halmstad (h), November 10
