Elfsborg vs Qarabag Prediction, Preview, Lineups and Team News | Europa League, December 12, 2024

Elfsborg vs Qarabag Preview

• Tournament: UEFA Europa League
• Date: Thursday, December 12
• Kick-off Time: 08:00 PM GMT
• Venue: Borås Arena, Borås, Sweden. 

IF Elfsborg are set to host Qarabağ FK for the sixth matchday of the UEFA Europa League 2024-25 group phase. This game can be termed as one for the revival of both sides, as the teams are away from the top 24 zones. It’s only a point, four places, and five goals differentiating them in the points table as things stand.

IF Elfsborg of Sweden are having an average domestic outing, and things have turned sour in the continental challenge. They only have one win, one draw, and rest all losses in the Europa League. A win at home will be a golden opportunity for them to sail up in the top 24 zone.

Qarabağ FK have had a disappointing outing in the Europa League, they lost all their games by sizeable margins, other than one lone win against Bodo Glimt. If they don’t get a win here, a top-24 zone will be nearly impossible for them to achieve. Things stand tough for Gurban Gurbanov’s side, especially in the away conditions, but they need to give a fight and target full points.

IF Elfsborg Team News

As things stand, Per Frick is the only player injured and out (as reported). He is a 32-year-old centre-forward. So coach Oscar Hiljemark shouldn’t have much issues in forming a line-up.

Qarabag FK Team News

Qarabag FK also have only one injury reported, it’s 21-year-old goalie Amin Ramazanov. So no issues of team formation are expected here too. 

Elfsborg vs Qarabag Predicted Lineups

IF Elfsborg Predicted Lineup:

Goalkeeper: I. Pettersson

Defenders: G. Henriksson, B. Ibrahim, S. Holmen

Midfielders: N. Hult, A. Baldursson, B. Zeneli, S. Hedlund

Forwards: A. Zeneli, M. Baidoo, A. Qasem

Qarabag FK Predicted Lineup:

Goalkeeper: M. Kochalski

Defenders: T. Bayramov, K. Medina, B. Mustafazada, M. Vesovic

Midfielders: M. Jankovic, Y. Benzia, Patrick

Forward: A. Zoubir, Juninho, O. Kashchuk

Head-to-Head Record

IF Elfsborg and Qarabağ FK haven’t met for a single time to date, this would be their first game against each other. 

Key Players to Watch in Elfsborg vs Qarabag

Arbër Zeneli (IF Elfsborg)

The No. 9 operates from the left wing but truly hasn’t been impressive in the Europa as a winger. He has started in all five games, scored none, assisted none, and even earned a yellow. Things need to change, and he needs to take the initiative, otherwise, the wings will turn inactive, and his side will be out soon.

His impact in the league has been different, however, having 12 goal contributions in 27 games. He needs to make the impact visible in this one, to keep the hopes of Elfsborg strong. 

Juninho (Qarabag FK)

The Brazilian centre-forward has scored one of all three goals Qarabag have scored in the entire tournament. Other than the weak defense, Juninho’s form has also affected the team. He needs to prove his potential in this and earn his team a win with goals.

His performance in the domestic league hasn’t been good either. So, a goal here would surely be good for his morale. His pace and scoring potential from close range can be put to effect in this game as IF Elfsborg also have a fragile defense, which can be disturbed. Besides scoring, if he manages to cater to the wingers, it can be effective too.

Elfsborg vs Qarabag Prediction

Hosts IF Elfsborg are predicted to win this game, as they hail a better form, and have the home advantage at their side. Qarabag FK are expected to fight for long, but would eventually need to surrender for their weak defense. The game is however expected to make us witness some goals.

Predicted Score: IF Elfsborg 2-1 Qarabag FK (Watch Live)

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