Elfsborg currently sits in 28th place in the Europa League standings, just one point behind the position that would qualify them for the play-offs. The Swedish team has had mixed results in their home games, securing a 1-0 win over Roma and a 1-1 draw with Braga.
However, their performances on the road have been less successful, with narrow losses to Alkmaar (3-2), Galatasaray (4-3), and a heavy 3-0 defeat to Bilbao. Domestically, Elfsborg has also struggled, finishing 7th in the Swedish league, which concluded on November 10.
Qarabag, positioned 32nd in the Europa League, is one point behind Elfsborg. The Azerbaijani team experienced a tough start to the competition, losing their first three matches to Tottenham (3-0), Malmö (1-2), and Ajax (0-3), but they bounced back with a 1-2 win over Bodö/Glimt.
Recently, they suffered a 1-4 loss to Lyon, although they have been performing well in their domestic league, winning their last three matches and moving to the top of the standings. They remain unbeaten in their last 11 league games and are set to play Sabah Baku this weekend.
For the upcoming match, Elfsborg will be without injured striker Frick. Ghanaian forward Baidoo, who has been a key player with 10 goals and 5 assists in the league and 2 goals in the Europa League, will lead the attack.
Midfielder Hedlund, who has 7 goals and 6 assists in the league, and wingers Qasem and Zeneli are also crucial to Elfsborg’s plans. Qarabag will still be missing goalkeeper Ramazanov due to injury, but striker Xhixha, who missed the previous Europa League match, is now fit.
Leandro Andrade, the team’s top scorer with 7 goals in the league, might start, though he was benched in the recent match against Lyon. Brazilian Juninho, with 3 goals in the league and 2 in the Europa League, could feature alongside Benzia, who has scored 3 league goals.
Prediction
Qarabag has been in exceptional form in the Europa League, securing 33 points from the last 35 available, including six consecutive away victories.
In contrast, Elfsborg has struggled in the competition, failing to win any of their last 11 Europa League matches, with 4 draws and 8 losses. Given Qarabag’s strong performance, a 1-2 win for the Azerbaijani side is predicted.
