Elfsborg will take on Sheriff Tiraspol at the Boras Arena on Thursday night in the second leg of their Europa League second qualifying round tie.

The hosts hold the upper hand going into this match after securing a 1-0 away win in the first leg thanks to an 86th-minute winner from Simon Hedlund.

Match preview

Manager Oscar Hiljemark of Elfsborg during the UEFA Europa League qualification match on July 18, 2024 [IMAGO] © Imago

Elfsborg moved one step closer to a place in the third qualifying round for the 2024-25 Europa League after they secured a 1-0 win in the first leg at the Bolshaya Sportivnaya Arena.

Last year's Swedish Allsvenskan runners-up were expected to dominate the match, but Sheriff Tiraspol put up a challenging fight at their home ground, limiting Elfsborg to seven shots while also having five of their own, with the Yellow Ones eventually securing the victory through Hedlund's late winner.

Oscar Hiljemark, who took over as manager in June 2024, will be confident his side can secure a second-leg victory to progress into the third qualifying round, especially with the match taking place at their home ground, where they have won their last five Europa League fixtures.

Following their first-leg victory, Hiljemark suffered his first defeat as Elfsborg manager as they lost 2-1 in the Allsvenskan to Djurgardens IF, who sit second in the league.

That result leaves Elfsborg on course for their worst finish in the league since placing eighth in 2019, with the side currently languishing in seventh place, but with just under half the season still to play, Hiljemark will be hopeful of dragging his side up the table.

As for their opponents, Sheriff Tiraspol face the difficult task of overturning a one-goal deficit at the Boras Arena to keep their hopes of reaching the Europa League for the third consecutive season alive.

Their away record in European competitions has been dismal in recent years, with just one win in their last nine matches on the road, coming after extra time against Zira FK in the first qualifying round earlier this season.

Sheriff Tiraspol are also at a disadvantage compared to their opponents as they are yet to start their domestic league season, while their opponents are midway through theirs, leaving the Wasps not as match fit as Elfsborg.

Yury Gura has faced difficulties since taking charge of the side in May 2024, losing three of his five competitive matches in the role so far, including two home defeats in their Europa League qualification campaign.

Elfsborg Europa League form:

Elfsborg form (all competitions):

Sheriff Tiraspol Europa League form:

Team News

Despite falling to their first defeat under Hiljemark's guidance, Elfsborg produced a positive performance against Djurgardens IF and they could field a similar team for this match.

The hosts have relied on goals from the midfield in the Allsvenskan this campaign, with Hedlund and Arber Zeneli joint on five goals in the league, and both are likely to start in this one.

As for the visitors, Gura would have been pleased with their performance in the first leg and could opt to name the same side for the second leg in Sweden.

Cedric Badolo scored seven times in the league last season but is yet to hit the net this campaign, and the forward will be looking to get off the mark in this one.

Elfsborg possible starting lineup:
Pettersson; Hedlund, Holmen, Henriksson, Yegbe, Hult; Baidoo, Baldursson, B. Zeneli; A. Zeneli, Abdulai

Sheriff Tiraspol possible starting lineup:
Al-Tumi; Pata, Behiratche, Lins, Boakye; Mija, Allach, Kyabou; Paulo, Ademo, Badolo

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We say: Elfsborg 2-0 Sheriff Tiraspol

Elfsborg's impressive home record in recent Europa League fixtures, combined with their strong performances at home in the league this season, suggest they will go on to secure a victory in this one.

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