Football Season Guide

Halmstad returned to the top flight after enjoying a very solid 2022. Finished second in Superettan last season, but 8 points clear of the closest team behind so direct promotion was never in doubt. Halmstad had the best defence in the entire division last season, only 32 goals conceded in 30 matches. They also had the second-best scoring record and their star striker Johansson finished second in the goalscorer’s list with 16 goals. He was only bettered by the 24 goals Viktor Granath from Vasteras scored. Halmstad noted that and in the winter they added Granath to their squad. This means that they will start the new Allsvenskan season with a duo of strikers that between them netted 40 goals in the lower division in 2022. The other important new signing so far is that of inner midfielder Al-Ammari. He is looking to resurrect what looked like a promising career just over a year ago. A fully fit Al-Ammari can be a difference-maker in the top flight. Halmstad’s boss for 3 years Haglund kept his starting back line intact, so he hopes the solid defensive display from 2022 will continue. Kroon and Karim were allowed to leave, but they were pressed for playing time anyway so this was expected. Halmstad are likely to trust the 4-4-2 formation in most games with the 2 strikers on fire last season in the lower division hoping to prove they can score in the top flight too. The 41-year-old captain Andreas Johansson will be the pillar of the back line in what is likely to be his final year before retirement.