The Europa League second qualifying round sees Sheriff Tiraspol host Elfsborg at the Bolshaya Sportivnaya Arena.
Both teams are eager to progress in Europe’s second-tier competition. Here's a detailed look at the match prediction, team form, news, and more.
Match Preview
Sheriff Tiraspol
Sheriff Tiraspol has had a challenging run recently. Their dominance in the Moldovan Super Liga ended last season, finishing second behind Petrocub Hincesti.
This is the first time since the 2011-12 season that they have not qualified for the Champions League. However, they have a history in the Europa League, reaching the group stages in the past two seasons.
Under new manager Yury Gura, Sheriff has faced difficulties, securing only two wins in their last five matches.
In the first qualifying round, they narrowly advanced on penalties against Azerbaijani side Zira FK after a 2-2 aggregate draw, which included a surprising 1-0 home loss in the first leg.
Elfsborg
Elfsborg, in contrast, have been in excellent form. They dominated their first-round clash against Cypriot team Pafos, winning 8-2 on aggregate.
Their second-place finish in the Swedish Allsvenskan last season earned them a spot in European competition for the second time in eight seasons.
Under manager Oscar Hiljemark, Elfsborg has become a formidable team, scoring 19 goals in their last five matches while conceding only six.
They enter this match with five consecutive wins and a strong defensive record.
Team News
Sheriff Tiraspol
Sheriff might field a similar team to the one that edged past Zira FK.
Papa Ndiaga Yade, who played higher up the pitch in the second leg against Zira, is expected to start after scoring in that match.
Ayyoub Allach, who netted the opening goal in the second leg, is also likely to feature prominently.
Elfsborg
Elfsborg’s manager, Oscar Hiljemark, is likely to maintain a consistent lineup. Jalal Abdulai, who scored three goals in his last two matches, is expected to start.
The defensive quartet of Isak Pettersson, Sebastian Holmen, Gustav Henriksson, and Terry Yegbe, who have played in all of Hiljemark's games so far, are set to continue.
Prediction
Given the contrasting forms of both teams, Elfsborg appears to be the favorite. Sheriff Tiraspol has struggled recently, while Elfsborg has been thriving under their new manager.
Our scoreline prediction is Sheriff Tiraspol 1-3 Elfsborg, with the Swedish side expected to take a commanding lead into the second leg at home.
Sheriff 
Elfsborg 
