Malmo vs Elfsborg

One of the most heavily anticipated fixtures in the Allsvenskan calendar pits Malmo and Elfsborg against each other at Eleda Stadio.

After claiming their 23rd Allsvenskan title last season, Malmo look determined to conquer the division for the fourth time in five years, as evidenced by their near-flawless 11-game record (W9, D1, L1). Since a 3-1 defeat at none other than Elfsborg in early May, the hosts have gone into overdrive, racking up three victories in their last four league games (D1), with all three wins coming ‘to nil.’ Emphatic triumphs have been a common theme in Malmo’s home fixtures this season, with the reigning champions winning all five league matches at Eleda Stadion by an aggregate score of 14-0. However, they can’t tuck themselves into a false sense of security, knowing two of their last four home league wins have yielded a narrow 1-0 scoreline.

On the other hand, Elfsborg’s victory in the reverse fixture kicked off a tumultuous run that has seen them alternate between winning (3) and losing (2) across their last five league outings. While they remain almost impeccable at home (W4, D1, L1), the visitors can’t catch a break on the road, losing their last four away league matches by a combined score of 11-3. Though each of those defeats saw Elfsborg concede multiple goals, departing manager Jimmy Thelin can realistically hope to snap his side’s poor defensive record against the division’s best team, with the Yellow Ones restricting Malmo to one goal per game in three of their last four away league H2Hs.