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Meeting in the decisive second leg of their Europa League second qualifying round tie, Anderlecht and Hammarby head to Brussels with the aggregate score locked at 1-1 following last week's draw in Sweden.
The Belgian side made the perfect start when Danylo Sikan curled home a superb free-kick inside six minutes, but they were denied victory after Frank Junior Adjei struck an 89th-minute equaliser, moments after Nathan-Dylan Saliba's controversial dismissal.
Vítor Bruno will now continue his search for a first victory as Anderlecht manager, with the Belgian Pro League season yet to begin.
Hammarby, meanwhile, remain in the middle of their domestic campaign. Henrik Rydström's side followed the first leg with another 1-1 draw against IF Brommapojkarna, extending their unbeaten run but dropping points for the second successive Allsvenskan fixture.
Read our prediction, preview and betting tips for the game below, and make sure to check out our today's betting tips page for more of our expert predictions.
Anderlecht vs Hammarby key stats
- Anderlecht's draw in Sweden was their first competitive fixture since ending last season with a dismal 5-1 defeat against Royale Union Saint-Gilloise.
- The Purple & White have won two, drawn two and lost one of their last five matches in all competitions.
- No team has conceded fewer than Hammarby's 15 goals in the Allsvenskan this season, averaging one clean sheet every three league matches.
- Despite boasting the league's best home record, Hammarby's away form ranks only 10th in the division.
Anderlecht vs Hammarby preview: Will home advantage pay off in deciding leg?
Anderlecht vs Hammarby — Tale of the Tape
| Anderlecht | vs | Hammarby |
|---|---|---|
| N/A (Belgian Pro League) | Position | 2nd (Allsvenskan) |
| N/A | Points | 27 |
| N/A | Goals For | 33 |
| N/A | Goals Against | 15 |
| N/A | Clean Sheets | 5 |
| N/A | Home / Away Rank | 1st / 10th |
Belgian giants Anderlecht welcome Hammarby to the Constant Vanden Stock Stadium aiming to secure a place in the next round of Europa League qualifying after last week's evenly contested first leg.
The Purple & White will also be looking to erase memories of last season's disappointing Conference League exit to AEK Athens and make their home advantage count this time around.
Back-to-back fourth-place finishes in the Belgian Pro League prompted Anderlecht to appoint former Porto boss Vítor Bruno this summer, with Lukas Ambros, Leo Petrot, Joshua Nga Kana and Giulian Biancone all arriving ahead of the new campaign and making their competitive debuts in Sweden.
Hammarby, meanwhile, arrive in Belgium already 15 league matches into their domestic season.
Henrik Rydström's side sit second in the Allsvenskan with eight wins, three draws and four defeats, although they trail leaders Sirius by 11 points.
Their defensive record has been a key reason behind their strong campaign so far, with only 15 goals conceded, the fewest in the Swedish top flight.
However, their form away from home remains a concern.
Hammarby have won just two of their seven league matches on the road this season, collecting eight points in total, with only five teams recording fewer away points.
As already mentioned, Anderlecht will be without Nathan-Dylan Saliba after the midfielder was sent off in the first leg and will serve a suspension on Thursday.
Bruno also has several injury concerns, with Cedric Hatenboer, Ilay Camara, Killian Sardella and Lucas Hey all unavailable for the decisive second leg.
Hammarby will only be without Sourou Kone, who remains sidelined with a knee injury that has kept him out since April, with Rydström having the luxury of naming the same XI that started the first leg.
Anderlecht vs Hammarby form guide & betting tips
| Anderlecht | vs | Hammarby |
|---|---|---|
WLDWD |
Form | WWWDD |
| 8 | Goals For | 8 |
| 9 | Goals Against | 3 |
D |
Europa League qualification | D |
Whispers predicts: Anderlecht 3-1 Hammarby (4-2 aggregate)
Home advantage could prove decisive for Anderlecht, who now have the opportunity to finish the job in front of their own supporters after a promising display in Sweden. We expect Bruno's side to secure their first competitive victory under his management and progress to the next round, with a home win priced at 11/10.
Hammarby have consistently found the net throughout their domestic campaign, though, so Both Teams To Score also appeals at 10/3.
Our exact score prediction is Anderlecht 3-1 Hammarby, which would send the Belgian side through 4-2 on aggregate and is available at 16/1.
> Home win at 11/10 | Likelihood: Possible
> Over 2.5 goals at 4/5 | Likelihood: Probable
> Both teams to score at at 10/3 | Likelihood: Probable
> Correct score – Anderlecht 3-1 Hammarby at 16/1. | Likelihood: Outsider