The picturesque Boras Arena in Sweden will play host to an intriguing Europa League clash on Thursday evening, as IF Elfsborg welcome AS Roma in a battle between two sides seeking their first win of the group stage. While the hosts aim to end a 46-year wait for a home victory in major European competition, the Italian visitors look to improve their disappointing away record on the continent.
Elfsborg’s return to the Europa League group stage after a decade-long absence has been hard-earned. Oscar Hiljemark’s men navigated four qualifying rounds, overcoming the likes of Pafos, Sheriff Tiraspol, Rijeka and Molde to secure their place among Europe’s elite. However, their campaign got off to a challenging start with a narrow 3-2 defeat away to AZ Alkmaar on Matchday 1.
Currently sitting fifth in the Swedish Allsvenskan, Elfsborg have shown mixed form of late. A 3-1 weekend victory over Kalmar FF provided a timely boost, but the Yellow and Black have won just two of their last seven matches across all competitions. Their European pedigree at home also leaves much to be desired – Elfsborg have won just one of 12 major European matches at Boras Arena, with their last such victory coming against Strasbourg in the 1978-79 UEFA Cup.
Despite these challenges, Hiljemark’s side will draw confidence from their strong home record in qualifying, where they posted three wins and one loss from four matches. The electric atmosphere of a packed Boras Arena could prove a significant factor against more illustrious opposition.
For Roma, this fixture represents an opportunity to build on a promising start under new manager Ivan Juric. The Croatian tactician has overseen two wins from his first three matches in charge, injecting fresh impetus into a side that had made an inconsistent start to the Serie A campaign.
The Giallorossi opened their Europa League account with a 1-1 draw at home to Athletic Bilbao, with summer signing Artem Dovbyk opening the scoring before a late equalizer denied them victory. That result extended Roma’s unbeaten run to five matches across all competitions, hinting at a team finding its feet after a tumultuous managerial change.
However, Roma’s away form in Europe remains a significant concern. Last season saw them win just two of seven continental contests on the road, while they have emerged victorious in only three of their last 15 Europa League matches away from the Stadio Olimpico. Addressing this weakness will be crucial if Juric’s men are to harbor ambitions of a deep run in the competition.
Team News
Elfsborg are likely to set up in their favored 3-4-3 formation, with the Zeneli brothers, Arber and Besfort, providing creativity in midfield and attack. Ghanaian striker Michael Baidoo, who notched six goal involvements during Europa League qualifying, will lead the line and pose the primary threat to Roma’s backline.
For Roma, Juric is expected to rotate his squad amid a congested fixture list. Stars like Paulo Dybala and Lorenzo Pellegrini may be rested, while summer signing Mats Hummels could make his long-awaited debut in defense. Uzbek striker Eldor Shomurodov is tipped to replace Dovbyk up front, offering a different dimension to the Giallorossi attack.
The midfield battle will be crucial, with Roma likely to dominate possession but potentially vulnerable to Elfsborg’s quick counter-attacks. The hosts’ wing-backs, particularly the experienced Simon Hedlund, will aim to exploit any spaces left by Roma’s attacking full-backs.
Expected Starting XIs
Elfsborg: Pettersson; Larsson, Buhari, Yegbe; Hedlund, B. Zeneli, Ouma, Hult; A. Zeneli, Baidoo, Qasem
Roma: Ryan; Hermoso, Hummels, Ndicka; Abdulhamid, Pisilli, Paredes, Angelino; Soule, Baldanzi; Shomorudov
Prediction
While Roma’s quality should ultimately shine through, Elfsborg’s home advantage and the element of surprise could make this a closer contest than many expect. The Swedish side will be motivated to make history in front of their own fans, but Roma’s superior squad depth and the impact of Juric’s tactical acumen should see them edge a tight encounter.
Prediction: Elfsborg 1-2 Roma
