The reigning champions of Sweden host the reigning champions of Denmark in this Champions League Qualifying 3rd Round first leg.

• Malmö have scored 2.6 goals per game with Copenhagen not much worse at 2.0.

• Malmö are unbeaten in competitive 10 games, Copenhagen in 17.

• It’s the first meeting between the two teams since 2019 when Malmö won 1-0 away from home.

• Malmö are mid-season and sit in 4th place in Allsvenskan while FC Copenhagen are only three games into Superligaen, topping the league.

A slugfest between the two biggest clubs in the Nordics, vying for a place in the play-offs to reach the Champions League group stage.

Malmö FF are in fine form, having won their previous six in all competitions, while FC Copenhagen have just kicked off their league campaign and have won three consecutive domestically as well as two CL qualifiers.

This is seen as a very even and competitive encounter, Paddy Power have Malmo at 2.80, Copenhagen narrow favourites at 2.50 and the draw at 2.88.

Goals are not guaranteed, and with the over 2.5 goals line sitting at 2.50 and the under at 1.50, the bookies expect a close encounter, which could be low-scoring.

🔵 The Resurgent Malmö

Malmö have had a largely disappointing season, failing to live up to the sky-high expectations, finding themselves somewhat removed from the battle for the league title. A less than successful European campaign in the spring impacted their league form and led to a lack of continuity, meaning Malmö won only three of their first 12 matches. Since the start of June, however, they have been on a mighty unbeaten run, not losing for 10 games in all competitions, winning eight of those. In fact, they have now won seven consecutive matches, looking more assured and controlling matches better than previously.

This has led to a surge up the table, momentarily to 3rd and now in 4th, 10 points behind leaders Mjällby. With some of the best chance creation in Sweden, averaging 1.59 xG per game, they have to take advantage of any slip-ups by teams above.

In European competition, Malmö have to date only tasted victory, beating Georgian champions with a total of 6-1, followed by a 4-1 aggregate rout of Riga FS from Latvia. This means at least two goals scored in six of their last seven across competitions, averaging 2.71 goals per match, while only conceding 0.86. FCK is a much sterner test, and Malmö need to keep their positive run going to stand a chance of qualifying.

⚪ FC Copenhagen Off to a Flyer

After bringing the Superligaen title back to Copenhagen last season, FCK have started the 2025/26 campaign off in the best possible fashion. Three wins on the trot, top of the league, seven goals scored, and only two conceded. They have been just as convincing in the Champions League qualifiers, beating Kosovan minnows, Drita, 3-0 over two legs.

Jordan Larsson has jump-started his career and this year plays an important role on the right for FCK, while Elias Achouri, on the other flank, has sparkled with his recent displays. 

Copenhagen have been potent offensively, having the most touches in the attacking box domestically, averaging 34.3 per game, while being quite direct, playing the most accurate long balls (11 per game). They are able to both control possession, unlocking defences with deft technical combination play, and counter-attack effectively to dismantle unsettled opponents.

Perennial wonderkid and new signing Youssoufa Moukoko misses this game due to an injury, and Andreas Cornelius could take his place up top. Both squads otherwise look in good shape going into this crucial tie.

📊 Malmö v Copenhagen H2H

The head-to-head matters little in a European tie such as this, with the two having not met since 2019. The two were then drawn in the same Europa League group, the scores being even (1-1) in Malmö while the Swedish outfit won narrowly (1-0) away from home.

Football Predictions at Andy's Bet Club

Andy's Bet Club is packed full of Expert Football Tips. We also have an easy-to-use Bet Builder Stats tool to help you conduct your own research. Look out for our Champions League Predictions this season.

Check out this midweek's action with our Tuesday's Goals Algorithm Accumulator and Rangers v Viktoria Plzen Quick Tips. These Malmo v Copenhagen Betting Stats provide more insight for informing bets.

The bet365 Sign Up Offer and Paddy Power Sign Up Offer are worth taking this weekend. At the same time, free-to-play gamers can enjoy our Paddy Power Beat The Drop Predictions, Monday to Saturday.

* I recommend waiting for confirmed team line-ups before placing any bets.

* All odds displayed correct at the time of publishing.