- IFK Goteborg have won 2 and lost 3 of their last 5 matches in all competitions.
- KAA Gent have won 1, drawn 3 and lost 1 of their last 5 competitive matches.
- IFK Goteborg have won 1, drawn 2 and lost 3 of their 6 home matches in all competitions this term, conceding 9 goals.
Swedes' new pressing style may not be ready for Gent
These two sides have no recent head-to-head record to speak of, but both coaches seem to be making changes that should lead to an interesting tempo battle at Gamla Ullevi on Thursday. In this preview, Joachim Bjoerklund took over the IFK Goteborg helm, and has tweaked the team into a more compact, pressing outfit.
The 2026 Allsvenskan campaign has been a little stop-start as a result, with Goteborg looking to push high up the field in a 4-3-3 system that can then become a 4-2-1-3 when they win the ball back. The wide runners and number 10 tend to dart in for the ball and run at the opposition in their bid to create turnovers and opportunities, but it's not yet been a perfect formula.
The Gothenburg-based club's last three results show just how swingy this season has been for IFK: a 1-2 home defeat to FC Levadia Tallinn in UEFA Conference League Qualification 2026, a 4-1 away defeat to IK Sirius FK in Allsvenskan 2026 and a 1-3 away win over FC Levadia Tallinn in UEFA Conference League Qualification 2026.
Steady Gent can control the game better
Across all competitions, IFK Goteborg have won 3, drawn 2 and lost 5 of their 10 matches, and it's clear that they are still looking for their rhythm and flow as a team. KAA Gent, meanwhile, have won 3, drawn 5 and lost 2 of their 10 games during the same period and appear to have more of a long game mentality.
Rik De Mil, who has led KAA Gent since December 2025, has a pragmatic approach and control. The Belgian side don't usually press all over the pitch, instead preferring to manage possession well and make their runs when the game state allows it.
As such, De Mil's team have been a bit cagey to start the season, and their recent results also display the stop-start pattern of a team that isn't yet hitting top gear: a 2-2 draw away at FC Twente in a Friendly Club Match 2026, a 0-0 draw with LNZ Cherkasy in UEFA Conference League Qualification 2026 and a 1-0 home win over the same opponents in UEFA Conference League Qualification 2026.
KAA Gent can keep the pace steady
With IFK looking to set the tempo early, but also liable to fall apart if their high press is not as successful, this could be a game where KAA Gent's steady approach gives them the upper hand. However, the odds on the away side seem a touch on the short side, so the best play here appears to be the Draw - No bet line. For those looking for betting tips, that cautious angle feels the most sensible.
The market is 2.37 for the hosts, 2.77 for the visitors and 3.45 for the draw, so the match result market is indicating a tight game. Over 2.5 goals at 1.7 and BTTS - Yes at 1.57 are both a bit short, but if Gent do keep it in control, BTTS - No at 2.25 might offer some value. That is why this IFK Goteborg vs KAA Gent prediction points toward a close contest.
Adam Bergmark Wiberg has been IFK Goteborg's spark in the UEFA Conference League Qualification 2026, scoring 2 goals in 2 appearances, and looks to be the sharpest finisher for Bjoerklund's men. Another angle leans on his ability to make the most of limited chances.
