Elfsborg's strong home record meets a Degerfors side that has often struggled on the road this season, though both teams are heavily rotated with six and seven regulars missing respectively, making this a less predictable contest. The hosts have been reliable going forward at…
Sign in for full analysis →Sign in to view how our call changed
Sign inIF Elfsborg welcome Degerfors IF on Saturday, August 29, in round 19 of the Allsvenskan season. Elfsborg are fourth after a last-gasp 1-1 draw at IFK Göteborg extended their unbeaten run to four games, while Degerfors sit 14th and four points from safety following a 2-0 defeat at Brommapojkarna.
Elfsborg defender Sebastian Holmén missed the draw at Göteborg with a knock and remains a doubt. Rasmus Wikström stepped in and could continue alongside Thomas Isherwood. Midfielder Ossian Nordvall was handed his first Allsvenskan start in that match and may retain his place after an assured debut. Degerfors have reported no fresh injury worries ahead of the trip.
Björn Hamberg’s side are unbeaten in four, a sequence that includes a commanding 3-0 win over Västerås SK and the late equaliser in the west-coast derby. Elfsborg have lost only four times all season and boast the division’s third-best defensive record, conceding 19 goals in 18 outings. With 28 points they sit three behind third-placed Häcken and are firmly in the European conversation.
Degerfors had built a mini revival with a stunning 3-0 victory over IFK Göteborg before their run was halted at Brommapojkarna. It was a first loss in three, leaving them in the relegation play-off spot on 16 points. Goals have been a persistent problem – only 17 scored in 18 matches – and the defence has kept just four clean sheets all term.
With Holmén missing, the hosts’ backline may be less settled. Degerfors have pace on the break and earlier this season grabbed headlines by beating Malmö FF with a spectacular long-range strike. If Elfsborg push high, the visitors will look to exploit any gaps behind the full-backs – a tactic that brought them joy at Gamla Ullevi.
A win would keep Elfsborg in touch with the top three, while Degerfors desperately need points to climb out of the drop zone. The reverse fixture earlier this season could add further context when the sides meet again later in the campaign.
Sign in to view squad availability
Sign inSign in to view group standings
Sign inSign in to view match stats
Sign inSign in to view player ratings
Sign inSign in to view lineups
Sign inSign in to view head to head
Sign in
