Anderlecht vs Hammarby – News and Probable Lineups

In their pursuit to make it to the league phase of the 2026 Europa League, Belgian powerhouse Anderlecht will host Hammarby at the Constant Vanden Stock Stadium for the second leg of their second qualifying round clash.

The two teams faced off in Stockholm just under a week ago in the first leg, ending up in a stalemate with a score of 1-1 after 90 minutes, leaving the tie delicately balanced.

Match overview

Anderlecht has experienced a tumultuous few years, with the 34-time Belgian champions not securing the league title since the 2016-17 season, registering consecutive fourth-place finishes in the Belgian top flight.

The ongoing period of underachievement has led to yet another change in management, as former Porto manager Vitor Bruno now becomes the club’s 34th permanent head coach, taking charge of his first competitive fixture last week.

Among Bruno’s significant challenges will be to fill the void left by Thorgan Hazard, who netted 15 goals for Anderlecht last season before rejoining his former club Lens this summer.

The Purple and White have bolstered their squad with the signings of Lukas Ambros, Leo Petrot, Joshua Nga Kana, and Giulian Biancone, all of whom made their competitive debuts in the first leg, although these updates have primarily been defensive and midfield-focused rather than addressing the need to replace Hazard in the attack.

Despite conceding their early lead in Sweden, Anderlecht will likely approach Thursday’s pivotal match with confidence, benefiting from home support as they seek to reach the third and final qualifying round. However, they have managed just one victory in their last five matches at the Constant Vanden Stock Stadium.

Hammarby, on the other hand, arrives in Brussels with the advantage of being deep into their domestic season, hoping their superior match fitness will aid them against their Belgian rivals.

Bajen has reached this phase of the Europa League qualifying after finishing second in the Allsvenskan last season, and they are firmly positioned to aim for another strong league result in 2026.

After 15 matches, Henrik Rydstrom’s team has achieved eight wins, three draws, and four defeats, gathering 27 points and sitting second in the league standings, although they trail league leaders Sirius by 11 points.

Their solid defensive organization has played a crucial role in their successful campaign, with no team in the Swedish top flight having conceded fewer goals than their tally of 15 so far.

Still, their away performance raises concerns as they head into this critical fixture.

Hammarby has only won twice in their seven Allsvenskan away matches in 2026, with merely five teams earning fewer away points.

This is just the second meeting between the two sides in history following last week’s 1-1 draw in Sweden.

Anderlecht took the lead in the first leg with a brilliant free-kick from Danylo Sikan after only six minutes, but Hammarby salvaged a draw in the 89th minute with an equalizer from substitute Frank Junior Adjei, shortly after Nathan Saliba received a second yellow card.

Team News

As stated, Anderlecht will not have Saliba available due to his suspension from the first leg’s red card, and Ambros could be a likely replacement as he aims to make his first start since signing from Gornik Zabrze.

Bruno will also be without Cedric Hatenboer, Ilay Camara, Killian Sardella, and Lucas Hey, all of whom are sidelined due to injuries.

Captain Colin Coosemans is set to remain in goal, while first-leg goal scorer Sikan is expected to lead the attack alongside 19-year-old striker Mihajlo Cvetkovic.

Hammarby has the advantage of being able to name the same starting XI from the first leg, with Sourou Kone the only player missing from their squad due to a knee injury that has kept him out since April.

Paulos Abraham, who has netted eight goals this season, will once again spearhead the attack, with captain Nahir Besara operating in a more advanced role behind him.

Anderlecht probable starting XI:

Coosemans; Maamar, Petrot, Biancone, Augustinsson; Llansana, Kana, Ambros, Nga Kana; Go ahead, Seke

Hammarby probable starting XI:

Hahn; Skoglund, Fofana, Winther, Persson; Karlsson, Tekie, Lind; Adjei, Besara; Abraham

With qualification on the line, Thursday’s second leg is expected to be another fiercely contested battle between two closely matched teams.

However, the home advantage for Anderlecht could prove to be crucial, given their superior performance on home soil last season, while Hammarby has had difficulties in away fixtures during 2026.

We anticipate that Bruno’s side will secure their first competitive win under his management and move on to the next qualifying round.