The Europa League qualifying rounds are heating up, and the upcoming clash between Elfsborg and Pafos FC promises to be a thrilling encounter.
With both teams eager to make their mark on the European stage, this match is set to be a battle of determination and skill. Here's an in-depth look at the team forms, news, predictions, and potential lineups.
Team Forms and Recent Performances
Elfsborg
Elfsborg, currently in the midst of their domestic season in the Swedish Allsvenskan, are coming off a convincing victory against Brommapojkarna.
This win followed a challenging period of back-to-back defeats against Malmo and IFK Goteborg. Their leading scorers, Simon Hedlund and Michael Baidoo, showcased their prowess by securing a 2-0 lead, further extended by Eggert Aron Gudmundsson.
Elfsborg's second-place finish in the Allsvenskan last season earned them a spot in the Europa League qualifiers. This achievement marks their highest league finish since winning their sixth Swedish crown in 2012.
However, their recent European adventures have been short-lived, with a notable exit at the hands of Molde in the 2022 Europa Conference League.
Pafos FC
Pafos FC, celebrating their 10th anniversary, enter this match after a historic 2023-24 campaign that saw them lift the Cypriot Cup.
This victory, coupled with a fifth-place finish in the Cypriot First Division, has propelled them into the Europa League qualifiers for the first time.
Despite their inexperience at this level, Pafos boasts a strong attacking lineup, including Brazilian veteran Jairo and Swedish forward Muamer Tankovic.
In preparation for this match, Pafos remained unbeaten in their friendly fixtures, including a goalless draw against Greek giants Panathinaikos. This defensive solidity will be crucial as they face the more experienced Elfsborg side.
Team News and Possible Lineups
Elfsborg
After being replaced at halftime in their recent league win, Sebastian Holmen might miss out on Thursday's match.
Coach Oscar Hiljemark has several options to reshuffle his squad, including promoting Noah Soderberg and Camil Jebara from the bench.
Predicted Lineup: Pettersson; Kaib, Henriksson, Yegbe; Hedlund, Ouma, B Zeneli, Hult; Qasem, A Zeneli, Baidoo.
Pafos FC
Pafos will be without Adrian Rus, who has returned to his parent club Pisa after participating in Euro 2024.
Nonetheless, their attacking duo of Jairo and Tankovic will look to exploit any weaknesses in the Elfsborg defense.
Predicted Lineup: Ivusic; Goldar, Kvida, Melluso, Name; Twumasi, Valakari, Dragomir; Jairo, Felipe, Tankovic.
Prediction
Given Elfsborg's recent domestic form and their experience in European competitions, they are slight favorites to win this first leg.
Pafos, while promising in their friendlies, may find it challenging to overcome the Swedish side on their home turf.
Our Prediction: Elfsborg 1-0 Pafos FC
Elfsborg 
Páfos 
