Football Season Guide

The defending champions suffered an inconsistent opening spell last season that quashed consecutive title hopes. They seemed set for European qualification, but some inexplicable defeats from struggling teams consigned them to 4th place. The major move has top scorer Ulvestad heading to China for a big paycheck . Other big moves have Karlstrom off to Lech Poznan and Augustinsson to Rosenborg – they will be difficult to replace. The goalkeeping position was temporarily left exposed with Bratveit spending the season on loan at Gronigen and Tangvik also departing. Ring and Walker were solid midfielders who have also moved on. Ademi arrives from Mariehamn with 14 goals last season to replace Ulvestad. Highly experienced Sculler and Andersson will provide new depth in midfield. The trio of defenders Cornic, Hein and Wallenborg all have solid potential. Highly experienced goalkeeper Vasyutin will compete with Vaiho for the starting position. Djurgarden have a balanced and experienced squad that should be up there challenging as their installation as second favourites suggests. They should still have one of the strongest defences in the Allsvenskan. The 2019 champions need to improve their home form on last season (W7 D4 L4) if they are to have any chance of unsettling Malmo.