A dominant first-leg showing from Elfsborg has them sitting in a very comfortable position heading into the second leg. Pafos were perhaps unlucky to be reduced to 10 men because it was still just 1-0 at that stage which has left them with a mountain to climb.
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Pafos vs Elfsborg prediction: Too big of a task for the home side
Key stats
- Pafos have failed to score in their last two games
- Elfsborg have managed to score eight times in their last two matches
- The Swedish side had less possession than Pafos despite their man advantage
Correct score prediction: Pafos 1-2 Elfsborg
Elfsborg proved how clinical they can be last week by scoring from half of their shots on target while also boasting less possession. So, with Pafos having to push from kick-off for goals, we can see Elfsborg picking them off on the counter-attack pretty easily.
Pre-game odds and probability: Pafos backed to redeem some pride
- Home: 5/4 (2.25) – 44.4%
- Draw: 27/10 (3.7) – 27%
- Away: 19/10 (2.9) – 34.5%
*odds from Ladbrokes, subject to change
It's quite a surprise to see Pafos fancied so much by the bookmakers given the result from the first leg. However, these odds are just to win on the night and not necessarily to progress into the next round, so Elfsborg could lose 2-0 and still regard the game as a success.
We certainly see both teams scoring in this fixture given the stats from their previous encounter, but you may wish to delve into a different market. If that's the case, check out our free betting tips page.
Last five H2Hs: Elfsborg have a small upper hand
As is the case with the majority of these early-round Europa League qualifiers, these two sides have never met before. So, Elfsborg have a slight advantage given they won so convincingly at home last Thursday, but Pafos now have nothing to lose and can throw everything at their Swedish opponents.
Pafos preview: It's all or nothing
Despite going down early against Elfsborg, Pafos appeared to be holding their own and giving themselves every chance in the second leg. However, once Matias Melluso saw red it was always going to be an uphill task with a further two goals, meaning Pafos must now go all-out attack from minute one.
Predicted lineup: Ivusic (GK), Pileas, Kvida, Goldar, Correia, Pelagio, Name, Felipe, Dragomir, Tankovic, Jairo
Cyprus Division 1 01/09/24
W
AEK Larnaca
0
Pafos FC
2
UEFA Conference League Qualifying 29/08/24
W
CFR Cluj
0
Pafos FC
3
UEFA Conference League Qualifying 22/08/24
L
CFR Cluj
1
Pafos FC
0
UEFA Conference League Qualifying 15/08/24
W
CSKA 1948 Sofia
0
Pafos FC
4
UEFA Conference League Qualifying 08/08/24
L
CSKA 1948 Sofia
2
Pafos FC
1
Elfsborg preview: No room for complacency
While the Swedish side are sitting very pretty with a three-goal lead, they can't afford to let any complacency slip into their game. An early goal for Pafos would certainly change the mood of this tie and with passionate Cypriot fans against them, it won't be the easiest tie to navigate.
Predicted lineup: Pettersson (GK), Holmen, Henriksson, Yegbe, Hedlund, B. Zeneli, Ouma, Hult, Qasem, Baidoo, A. Zeneli
Sweden Allsvenskan 01/09/24
D
Brommapojkarna
3
Elfsborg
3
UEFA Europa League Qualifying 29/08/24
W
Molde
1
Elfsborg
0
Sweden Allsvenskan 25/08/24
W
IFK Goteborg
1
Elfsborg
3
UEFA Europa League Qualifying 22/08/24
W
Molde
0
Elfsborg
1
Sweden Allsvenskan 18/08/24
D
Mju00e4llby AIF
1
Elfsborg
1
Player to watch: Arber Zeneli
Although Arber Zeneli didn't get on the scoresheet last Thursday he did cause a whole load of problems down the right wing as well as netting in a 5-3 win against Hacken on Sunday.
Zeneli didn't start on the weekend which would point towards him getting the nod this midweek and after having a good enough rest on Sunday, he could once again, cause problems for Pafos.
