Anderlecht
HammarbyBy Babatunde Sowole — Football Expert on European & South American Cups
The first leg in Stockholm ended all square at 1-1, proving that Hammarby’s formidable attack could not overwhelm a youthful Anderlecht side still finding its identity. Now the tie moves to Belgium, where the hosts have held a closed training session behind closed doors. Could Vitor Bruno be preparing a tactical surprise? All eyes will be on the violet-and-white as they look to outwit their Swedish visitors.
Anderlecht entered the season without several key players and under a new manager. The departures of winger Torgan Hazard (15 goals, 11 assists in 46 matches) and midfielder Yari Verschaeren (2 goals, 4 assists in 38 games) left significant gaps, yet no major signings followed. New boss Vitor Bruno was tasked with developing academy talent and working within existing resources. Against expectations, he quickly connected with his squad. In pre-season friendlies, Anderlecht won three of four matches and came close to victory in the first leg of this Europa League tie against Hammarby. They led 1-0 until a red card for young midfielder Nathan Saliba exposed their inexperience and allowed the Swedes to equalise.
At home, expect a more disciplined performance. In last season’s European qualifiers, Anderlecht won two of three home matches, including a commanding 3-0 victory over Sheriff Tiraspol and a narrow 1-0 shutout of a strong Swedish side, BK Häcken. The closed training session suggests Bruno may have something new in store.
Hammarby arrived at the first leg in excellent form. After the World Cup break, they had won three consecutive league matches, scoring at least twice in each. They boasted the best home attack in the Swedish league, and coach Henrik Rudström promised an aggressive, high-pressing style. Yet within six minutes, Anderlecht had scored, and Hammarby needed a late equaliser from Frank Adjei—a player who had managed only one goal in 13 league appearances—to salvage a draw. The attacking quartet of Victor Lind (6 goals, 4 assists in 15 games), Paulos Abraham (8 goals, 3 assists in 15), Montader Madjed (5 goals in 15), and Nahir Besara (5 goals, 5 assists in 15) were all kept quiet.
In the weekend league match against Brommapojkarna (1-1), Rudström fielded his strongest XI, hoping to restore confidence. It did not work. Despite 65% possession and 1.64 expected goals, they scored only once. However, Hammarby have often performed better away from home in European competition. Last season, they kept a clean sheet away to a strong Rosenborg side (0-0) and defeated Belgian side Charleroi 2-1 on the road. This resilience could serve them well in Brussels.
Anderlecht (4-4-2):
Unavailable: Kamara, Sardella, Hatemboer, Heij (all injured), Saliba (suspended) Coach: Vitor Bruno
Hammarby (4-2-3-1):
Unavailable: Kone (injured) Coach: Henrik Rudström
The Serbian official has taken charge of 23 matches in the 2025/26 season, establishing a reputation for strict discipline. He averages 26.1 fouls per game and shows 3.83 yellow cards, while pointing to the penalty spot in every second match. His firm hand could influence the flow of this decisive tie.
This tie remains finely balanced and could easily drift into extra time. Anderlecht are still adapting to their new coach’s ideas and tend to prioritise solidity in European home games, as shown by their defensive record last season. The closed training session hints at a tactical tweak from Bruno. Hammarby, meanwhile, have adjusted to their opponents and may produce a more confident display away from home. Their away form in Europe has been impressive, and they recently beat Swedish champions Elfsborg 2-1 on the road. Overall, Hammarby create an average of 1.47 expected goals away from home this season, and their attacking quartet should find more space in the return leg.
Main bet: Hammarby not to lose (double chance) at odds of 1.71.
Total goals bet: Anderlecht conceded only one goal in three home European matches last season, while Hammarby allowed two goals in two away European games. The first leg was low-scoring, and the importance of the result should encourage a cautious approach. Back under 2.5 goals at 2.00.
The editorial prediction is provided for informational purposes only and should not be treated as a direct call to action. Every reader should do their own analysis before deciding on a bet.
Anderlecht4-4-2
Hammarby4-2-3-1I'm betting on the second team to pull off a surprise win in today's match. It's a bit of a wild guess, but I see potential for an upset here.
Anderlecht scored quickly in the first leg in Sweden but then took their foot off the gas. A red card left them a man down, and they couldn't hold the lead. A draw away is decent strategically, but I believe they should have won.
I’m taking Anderlecht with a handicap of 0 here. They missed out on the win away, but at home their chances are much higher. Hammarby are second in the Swedish league, but their away form is shaky, and that only gets worse in Europe. I don’t see the Swedes succeeding — their uninspired play in the first leg and a less-than-intimidating squad cut their odds significantly. With this bet, a draw gives me a refund, which I’m fine with rather than guessing a penalty shootout. I see the hosts as clear favorites, but I’m adding a bit of insurance.
I'm confident Juventus will take the win. Lelya got that bet right.
Belgium will take it. I'm confident because their recent performances show a clear edge over the competition, and they have the depth to secure the result when it matters most. No doubts here.
My prediction is that Hammarby will not lose. They have a strong home record and have shown consistent form, making it unlikely for them to be defeated in this match. Their defensive stability and attacking prowess give them a clear edge over their opponents, so I'm confident they'll at least secure a draw.
I'm predicting that the return leg between Anderlecht and Hammarby will also end in a high-scoring draw, with both teams netting two goals apiece. The first match showed they're evenly matched offensively, and neither side has the defensive discipline to shut the other out. This feels like a confident call—expect another 2-2 thriller.
I expect a low number of fouls in this match. Both teams prioritize clean, technical play and avoid unnecessary physical contact, which has been a consistent pattern in their recent games. The refereeing style also tends to let the game flow without calling marginal infractions. This all points to a total foul count well below the league average.
Belgium let a win slip away at the end of their first match against Sweden, which tells me we're in for goals. I'm confident both teams will find the net this time—the momentum is there, and the stakes are high.
I predict Anderlecht will win. They're playing at home and have every intention of outplaying their opponent. The home advantage gives them the edge they need to control the game and secure the result.
I confidently predict that Anderlecht will advance and face PAOK in the next round. Their strong form and tactical discipline give them the clear edge to get the job done.
I'm confident Anderlecht will win at home. They already managed to secure a draw away, so now at their own stadium, they have the momentum and quality to secure all three points. Good luck to them!
I am confident that the hosts are the clear favorites in this match, and they will win no matter what. Their form and home advantage make this outcome inevitable.
Anderlecht will advance. They have the squad depth and tactical discipline to overcome any opponent in this stage. Their recent form shows consistent results, and the key players are hitting peak performance at the right time. I'm confident they'll get the job done.
I'm betting on the second team to pull off a surprise win in today's match. It's a bit of a wild guess, but I see potential for an upset here.
Belgium will take it. I'm confident because their recent performances show a clear edge over the competition, and they have the depth to secure the result when it matters most. No doubts here.
I'm predicting that the return leg between Anderlecht and Hammarby will also end in a high-scoring draw, with both teams netting two goals apiece. The first match showed they're evenly matched offensively, and neither side has the defensive discipline to shut the other out. This feels like a confident call—expect another 2-2 thriller.
I'm confident Anderlecht will win at home. They already managed to secure a draw away, so now at their own stadium, they have the momentum and quality to secure all three points. Good luck to them!
I am confident that the hosts are the clear favorites in this match, and they will win no matter what. Their form and home advantage make this outcome inevitable.
My prediction is that Hammarby will not lose. They have a strong home record and have shown consistent form, making it unlikely for them to be defeated in this match. Their defensive stability and attacking prowess give them a clear edge over their opponents, so I'm confident they'll at least secure a draw.
Belgium let a win slip away at the end of their first match against Sweden, which tells me we're in for goals. I'm confident both teams will find the net this time—the momentum is there, and the stakes are high.
Anderlecht scored quickly in the first leg in Sweden but then took their foot off the gas. A red card left them a man down, and they couldn't hold the lead. A draw away is decent strategically, but I believe they should have won.
I’m taking Anderlecht with a handicap of 0 here. They missed out on the win away, but at home their chances are much higher. Hammarby are second in the Swedish league, but their away form is shaky, and that only gets worse in Europe. I don’t see the Swedes succeeding — their uninspired play in the first leg and a less-than-intimidating squad cut their odds significantly. With this bet, a draw gives me a refund, which I’m fine with rather than guessing a penalty shootout. I see the hosts as clear favorites, but I’m adding a bit of insurance.
I'm confident Juventus will take the win. Lelya got that bet right.
Anderlecht will advance. They have the squad depth and tactical discipline to overcome any opponent in this stage. Their recent form shows consistent results, and the key players are hitting peak performance at the right time. I'm confident they'll get the job done.
I predict Anderlecht will win. They're playing at home and have every intention of outplaying their opponent. The home advantage gives them the edge they need to control the game and secure the result.
I expect a low number of fouls in this match. Both teams prioritize clean, technical play and avoid unnecessary physical contact, which has been a consistent pattern in their recent games. The refereeing style also tends to let the game flow without calling marginal infractions. This all points to a total foul count well below the league average.
The second leg of the Europa League tie takes place on 30 July 2026 at 19:30 local time in Brussels, Belgium.
The main bet is Hammarby not to lose (double chance) at odds of 1.71, with a secondary recommendation of under 2.5 goals at 2.00.
Anderlecht are without injured players Kamara, Sardella, Hatemboer, and Heij, plus suspended midfielder Nathan Saliba. Hammarby only have one injury: Kone.
Anderlecht led 1-0 until a red card to young midfielder Nathan Saliba allowed Hammarby to equalise through Frank Adjei.
Last season in European qualifiers, Anderlecht won two of three home matches, including a 3-0 win over Sheriff Tiraspol and a 1-0 clean sheet against Swedish side BK Häcken.
Anderlecht held a closed training session behind closed doors, hinting that coach Vitor Bruno may deploy a tactical surprise against Hammarby.