Team Hasselborg represented Sweden in the home curling European Championships in Östersund in November.
That's because the Olympic bronze medal team from Beijing defeated team Wranå in Sweden's EC qualifier in Jönköping a year ago.
But there was no playoff for team Hasselborg in the EC last autumn - despite a win against Turkey when they met in the final group stage match in November.
At the end of the week, team Hasselborg faces team Wranå in the WC qualifier.
- The form of both teams is on the rise.
Hasselborg has had a special situation when Sara McManus gave birth around New Year but is back now, says SVT's curling expert Eva Lund.
Wranå in good shape
Team Hasselborg has been in Canada during the winter and started the Canadian Open grand slam competition with two wins.
During the competition, which they last won in 2020, they beat the USA by a whopping 8-0.
They then came in fifth place - at the same time as team Wranå came in third place.
- Wranå continues its fine development with international top positions, so it will be a tough fight, she says.
"Evener than before"
The teams have met in this type of qualifier several times in recent years and team Hasselborg have won them all.
In the SM a week ago, the teams met twice and won one match each.
Team Hasselborg won the most important of these two;
the fight for the gold.
Which ones do you keep as favourites?
- I keep team Hasselborg as favourites, but I think it will be a more even series than compared to previous qualifiers between these teams, says Lund.
How do you think it goes for Sweden in the World Cup?
- Sweden is well prepared, so I think they will be in the battle for the medals, what value it will be will be decided by small margins.
The teams play in the best of seven games and are decided from February 17-20 in Jönköping.
The WC will be played in Sandviken 18–26 March and will be broadcast live on SVT.