Is Belgian class enough? Prediction for the Hammarby vs Anderlecht match — 23.07.2026
On Thursday, July 23, 2026, the 3Arena in Stockholm will host the first leg of the UEFA Europa League second qualifying round between Hammarby and Anderlecht. Kick-off is scheduled for 19:00 local time. The Swedish side enters their European campaign in excellent form, while the Belgian club will play their first official match under new head coach Vítor Bruno. The return leg is set for July 30 in Brussels.
- Also read: Prediction for the match Železničar Pančevo vs Braga: hosts aim to cause an upset - 22.07.2026.
Hammarby: three wins in a row and a powerful attack
After the summer break, Henrik Rydström's team has hit top form. Hammarby have racked up consecutive victories over Elfsborg (2-1), Kalmar (2-0), and Degerfors (4-0). That’s eight goals scored and just one conceded in their last three league outings. After 14 matches, Hammarby sit second in Allsvenskan with 26 points and a goal difference of 32:14.
The main attacking threat remains Paulos Abraham. The striker notched his eighth league goal of the season in the win over Degerfors. Montader Madjed is also in great shape, having bagged a brace in the last round. Veteran Nahir Besara orchestrates the attacks, while Viktor Lind provides width down the left flank.
Hammarby are also trying to register Amin Boudri, who is set to join from Los Angeles, in time for this European clash. However, as of this preview, his participation is not confirmed: the club is still finalizing paperwork. So, it’s unlikely the newcomer will feature in the starting lineup.
Midfielder Suru Kone will miss the match due to a knee injury. All other key players are available, so Rydström can nearly replicate the lineup that confidently dispatched Degerfors.
Anderlecht: a revamped squad begins a new chapter
Anderlecht finished fourth in last season’s Belgian league, securing a Europa League qualifying spot. However, they ended their campaign on a sour note, suffering a 1-5 defeat to Union in the final round. This summer brought a change at the helm—Vítor Bruno took over as head coach, signing a two-year contract. Previously, the Portuguese coach worked on Porto’s staff and managed 29 matches as a head coach.
Anderlecht’s pre-season results have steadily improved. They started with a 0-0 draw against Boulogne, then beat NEC 3-2, and wrapped up preparations for the Europa League with a 1-0 win over AZ. The squad is still adapting to the new manager’s demands, but already looks more aggressive off the ball and quicker in transition.
The summer saw the arrivals of central defenders Julian Biancone and Leo Petro, as well as midfielder Lukáš Ambros. However, Anderlecht lost a defensive rotation player: Killian Sardella suffered a quadriceps injury, underwent surgery, and is sidelined indefinitely. Mario Stroeykens is also a doubt with a thigh issue.
Nathan Saliba and César Huerta only rejoined the squad on July 20 after representing their countries at the World Cup. Both are preparing for the trip to Sweden, but a lack of full pre-season training may limit their time on the pitch.
Probable lineups
- Hammarby: Hahn — Skoglund, Fofana, Winter, Persson — Johansson Shellhas, Karlsson — Madjed, Besara, Lind — Abraham.
- Anderlecht: Kosemans — Vroninks, Biancone, Petro, Augustinsson — Liansana, Nga Kana, Ambros — Ohea, Onia Seke — Sikan.
Match facts and statistical trends
- Hammarby have won their last three official matches by an aggregate score of 8:1.
- Paulos Abraham has scored eight goals in 14 Swedish league matches this season.
- Anderlecht are unbeaten in their last three pre-season friendlies.
- The Belgians have kept clean sheets in their last two games.
- The teams have never met in official competitions before.
- The return leg will take place on July 30 at Lotto Park.
Match rhythm could help the hosts avoid defeat: Hammarby vs Anderlecht prediction
In terms of individual quality, the Belgian side holds the edge. But the first match will be played in Stockholm, where Hammarby will enjoy strong home support and look to capitalize on their superior match fitness. The Swedish league is in full swing, while the visitors have only just wrapped up pre-season and are still adjusting to their new manager’s philosophy.
Hammarby are playing with confidence and attacking flair. The Besara-Madjed-Lind-Abraham quartet is more than capable of testing Anderlecht’s revamped backline, especially with swift attacks and second balls around the box. Still, the hosts must avoid leaving themselves too exposed—there’s a second leg to come, and Anderlecht are clinical enough to punish any lapses.
This opening game could be cagey, but the hosts’ form and rhythm suggest they can at least avoid defeat. The safest bet looks to be a handicap in favor of the Swedish side.
Prediction: Hammarby handicap (+0.5) — odds 1.47.
