The Daily Star Ireland
Elfsborg is currently in 28th place in the Europa League standings, just one point behind the 24th position that would qualify them for the play-offs. The Swedish team has had mixed results at home, earning a 1-0 victory over Roma and a 1-1 draw with Braga. However, they suffered narrow defeats on the road to Alkmaar (3-2), Galatasaray (4-3), and a heavy 3-0 loss to Bilbao. Domestically, Elfsborg has been underperforming, finishing 7th in the Swedish league, which ended on November 10.
Qarabag, positioned 32nd in the Europa League, sits one point behind Elfsborg. They endured losses in their first three matches to Tottenham (3-0), Malmö (1-2), and Ajax (0-3), but secured a significant 1-2 win over Bodö/Glimt. They recently lost to Lyon 1-4, although they have been performing strongly in their domestic league, winning their last three matches and moving to the top of the table. They remain unbeaten in their last 11 league matches and are set to play Sabah Baku this weekend.
For this upcoming match, Elfsborg will be without striker Frick, who is injured, while Ghanaian forward Baidoo, with 10 goals and 5 assists in the league and 2 goals in the Europa League, will lead the attack. Midfielder Hedlund, who has contributed 7 goals and 6 assists in the league, and wingers Qasem and Zeneli are also key players for Elfsborg. On the other hand, Qarabag will still be without goalkeeper Ramazanov due to injury, but striker Xhixha, who missed the last Europa League game, is fit again. Leandro Andrade, the team’s top scorer with 7 goals in the league, may start, although he was benched in the recent Lyon match. Brazilian Juninho, who has 3 goals in the league and 2 in the Europa League, could feature, alongside Benzia (3 goals in the league).
Prediction
Qarabag has been in exceptional form in the Europa League, winning 33 points from the last 35 available, including six straight away victories. In contrast, Elfsborg has struggled at this level, failing to win any of their last 11 Europa League matches, with 4 draws and 8 losses. Given Qarabag’s excellent form, the prediction for this match is a 1-2 win for Qarabag.
