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This is not only a derby match, it is also a fight for the championship

Today's match is extremely important for both teams not only because of the prestige that winning the derby brings, but also because the points in this match are crucial for the fight for the title

Today's match between Helsingborgs and Malmo is extremely important for both teams - it's a well know south Sweden derby, but more importantly, these two teams are fighting for the title and are only  three points apart.

Helsingborgs failed horribly last weekend in the match against the underdog Syrianska, who virtually already got relegated to second division. They obviously underestimated their opponent and won only a point in the end after being in the lead and having an extra player for the last half an hour.

Helsingborg's games have not been good lately. They won only twice in the last seven matches (against last position teams Gefle and Brommapojkarna). If they lose points today again, that will be the end of their fight for the title. 

- I think this match will be similar to the one we played in Malmo - it will be an open match with a lot of fighting on the pitch. Both teams like to keep possession and control the game. They are more confident, of course, but this is a derby match, the stadium will be full. I already said we have to outrun them and show passion - said home team's coach Hansen, and added:

- We need our fans now more than ever - it's important to enjoy this moment. 

The home team can't count on suspended Khalilia who was their best forward with three goals and an assist in the last five matches. Atta, Uronen, Mahlangu, and Boateng are still injured. Only news is that forward Bouaouzana recovered from an injury and might play instead of Khalilia, but he's been out since April.

Malmo is, on the other hand, currently a much more stable team. They lost only once in the last even championship matches, beating Norrkoping easily in the last round. When they play as best as they can, it's impossible to beat them. They play equally home and away, so it doesn't really matter that today's match is not at their stadium.

- It feels good from every perspective. We are ready to play this match the best as we can. We have to use our head and work hard. There's always a bit more tension in a derby match, but we will try to channel that extra energy on to giving our best. We don't take anything for granted and we'll try to do our best - said coach Norling.

Important defender Halstio won't play because of a suspension, and Blomqvist and Pekalski have been injured for a long time now - neither of them played this season at all.

Although derbies are hardest to predict, here the power ratio between the host and guest cannot be ignored. Helsingborg enters in the season finale in far worse shape than in the spring, victories are merely trickling, and they were shamed by weak Syrianska in the previous round. Their defense is a disgrace for a top team in the league as evidenced by 12 goals allowed in the last five games, and even more interesting is the fact that they lost mainly against the teams struggling to avoid relegation or are at the bottom part of the table. Today they will miss a very important offensive weapon Khalili, and will be replaced by Bouaouzan, a forward who spent past six months in rehab after a serious injury and is questionable in what of state he is now. On the other hand, guests are full of confidence, lately doing an excellent job as candidates for the title. Defensively, Malmo is a far more stable team, and this role fits them great. Helsingborg will today be under pressure to win and if things do not go according to plan, they will have to play open until the end, and Malmo takes advantage of these situations. HIF is not a slight favorite as bookmakers suggest, moreover, Malmo is a better and more convincing team, but as this match is deemed a derby, a handicap covering the tie is the best.