Elfsborg vs Hammarby: Allsvenskan Preview

Elfsborg have hit their stride after a slow start, stringing together five consecutive league victories to surge into third place with 25 points from 11 matches. Their most recent outing saw them overpower Halmstad 4-1 away from home, marking the third straight game in which they’ve netted four goals – a run that has not only solidified their credentials as serious contenders but also made them the division’s top scorers. Frederik Ihler once again found the net, bringing his season tally to seven – second only in the league’s Golden Boot race.

Oscar Hiljemark’s side are now unbeaten at home this season, boasting five wins and one draw from their six outings at Borås Arena. The hosts’ eye-catching domestic form has come on the back of their European exploits last autumn, where they memorably eliminated Roma from continental competition, and they appear intent on returning to the continental stage again.

However, despite their momentum, Elfsborg have failed to beat this weekend’s opponents in recent meetings. They are without a win or even a goal in their last three clashes against Hammarby, including a goalless draw at Borås Arena last September. During that run, Hammarby have outscored them 4-0, suggesting that this matchup has proved tactically difficult for Elfsborg in recent seasons.

Hammarby arrive just a point behind their hosts in fourth, having played one game more. Kim Hellberg’s side come into the weekend fresh off a narrow 1-0 win over Degerfors, where captain Nahir Besara – their leading scorer this season with six goals – found the net once again. That result extended their unbeaten away run to three matches, with their last defeat on the road coming at Mjällby in mid-April.

With the reigning champions Malmö struggling for consistency, both sides will view this clash as a significant opportunity to position themselves firmly in the title conversation. For Hammarby, who have already secured a spot in next season’s Europa Conference League playoffs, victory would also boost their hopes of finishing in the Allsvenskan’s top two for the second year running.

Team news sees Elfsborg continue without goalkeeper Isak Pettersson and midfielder Jens Thomasen, though promising signs have emerged with winger Arber Zeneli returning to full training after a long-term injury. While not expected to be involved this weekend, his younger brother Besfort Zeneli should continue in midfield, having tallied four assists across 11 appearances. Frederik Ihler will again lead the line in attack.

Hammarby will be forced into a defensive reshuffle, with centre-back Pavle Vagic suspended. Dennis Collander and Oscar Johansson Schellhas remain sidelined with knee issues, but there are no fresh injury concerns for Hellberg’s men. Abdelrahman Boudah is likely to start up top again, supported by the in-form Besara.

With both sides chasing the same targets and separated by just a single point, Saturday’s meeting in Borås promises to be one of the standout fixtures of the Allsvenskan weekend.