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Elfsborg is currently ranked 28th in the Europa League standings, just one point shy of the 24th spot needed to qualify for the playoffs. The Swedish team has had mixed results in their home matches, winning 1-0 against Roma and drawing 1-1 with Braga. However, their away form has been disappointing, with narrow losses to Alkmaar (3-2), Galatasaray (4-3), and a heavy 3-0 defeat to Bilbao. Domestically, Elfsborg struggled in the Swedish league, finishing 7th when the season ended on November 10.
Qarabag, positioned 32nd in the Europa League, trails Elfsborg by one point. They faced defeats in their first three matches against Tottenham (3-0), Malmö (1-2), and Ajax (0-3), but managed a 1-2 win over Bodö/Glimt. Their recent loss to Lyon (1-4) aside, Qarabag has been dominant in their domestic league, winning their last three matches and climbing to the top of the table. They remain unbeaten in their last 11 league games and are scheduled to play Sabah Baku this weekend.
Elfsborg will be missing striker Frick due to injury, but Ghanaian forward Baidoo, who has scored 10 goals and provided 5 assists in the league and netted 2 goals in the Europa League, will lead the attack. Midfielder Hedlund, who has contributed 7 goals and 6 assists in the league, along with wingers Qasem and Zeneli, will also play key roles.
Qarabag, meanwhile, will continue without goalkeeper Ramazanov, who is sidelined by injury, but striker Xhixha, who missed the last Europa League match, has recovered. Leandro Andrade, the team’s top scorer in the league with 7 goals, may 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 also feature, along with Benzia (3 goals in the league).
Prediction
Qarabag has been in outstanding form in the Europa League, accumulating 33 points from the last 35 available, including six consecutive away wins. 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.
