Halmstads BK vs IF Elfsborg Prediction: The visitors are early favorites

Elfsborg are set to travel to Örjans Vall on Monday to take on Halmstads in a Sweden Allsvenskan matchup. Based on their recent form and overall strength, the visitors, Elfsborg, are considered early favorites in this encounter. However, anything can happen on match day, and Halmstads will aim to put up a strong performance. Previews, possible starting 11, expert tips, and odds are provided below.

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Halmstad BK's recent performance in the Allsvenskan has seen them maintain a relatively safe position in 10th place, with a six-point cushion from the relegation zone. However, their defensive record has been a concern, as they are the fourth-worst defensive team in the league, having conceded 38 goals in 23 rounds, averaging 1.65 goals allowed per game.

Taking a closer look at their recent matches, it's evident that their defense has struggled in the past month and a half. In their last seven Allsvenskan games, Halmstad BK have allowed three or more goals on five occasions. This defensive vulnerability has contributed to their matches frequently having over 2.5 goals scored, occurring in seven of their previous eight matches in all competitions.

Erik Ahlstrand, who was suspended for one game in their previous match against Hacken, will be available for the upcoming game against Elfsborg. Ahlstrand, a 21-year-old forward, has scored four goals this season and has been a key player for Halmstad BK.

However, Halmstad BK might be without Jack Cooper-Love, who is on loan from Elfsborg, for the upcoming game. In his absence, Viktor Granath is expected to start as a replacement. Granath is currently the team's top scorer, having netted seven goals in 25 appearances.

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Elfsborg had a strong start to the season, where they appeared to be in contention for the league title. However, recent performances have raised concerns, especially after their recent loss which saw them relinquish their long-held lead in the Allsvenskan. They will be eager to regain momentum with a convincing victory.

Elfsborg have displayed an impressive offensive prowess this season, scoring 46 goals in 23 rounds, averaging two goals per game. Notably, they have been particularly effective on the road, scoring the most goals away from home in Allsvenskan with 20 goals in 11 rounds.

Hakon Valdimarsson, the team's top goalkeeper, will return to the lineup after serving his suspension in the previous match against Kalmar. His presence should provide stability in defense.

On the injury front, Alexander Bernhardsson is ruled out with a foot injury and is expected to miss up to four months. Additionally, Per Frick, a backup striker is questionable for the upcoming game due to a muscle tear in his hip. Viktor Widell remains sidelined with a long-term injury.

Halmstad - Marko Johansson, Marcus Olsson, Andreas Johansson, Joseph Baffo, Phil Ofosu-Ayeh, Naeem Mohammed, Joel Allansson, Amir Al-Ammari, Thomas Boakye, Viktor Granath, Kazper Karlsson.

Elfsborg - Hakon Valdimarsson, Johan Larsson, Sebastian Holmen, Ibrahim Buhari, Niklas Hult, Noah Söderberg, Michael Baidoo, Andri Fannar Baldursson, Jeppe Okkels, Sveinn Aron Gudjohnsen, Simon Hedlund.

Elfsborg have a good opportunity to get back on the scoring track, especially when facing Halmstad BK. While they have failed to score in their last two games, their previous head-to-head match against Halmstad BK resulted in a convincing 6-1 victory for Elfsborg, indicating their ability to score multiple goals.

However, Elfsborg's recent defensive record, where they have conceded six goals in the last three games, suggests that keeping a clean sheet on the road might be challenging. Given this defensive vulnerability, it's reasonable to expect Halmstad BK to find the back of the net as well. Elfsborg winning but with both teams scoring multiple goals seems plausible based on their recent history and current form.

• W2 for 1.80 odds
• Over 2.5 for 1.75 odds
• BTTS for 1.70 odds