Elfsborg vs AIK Prediction: The hosts set their eyes on the title

As Elfsborg gear up to host AIK this upcoming Monday, their performance this season has been noteworthy. However, there was a moment of concern when they suffered back-to-back losses against Kalmar and Varnamo at the beginning of September. Yet, they swiftly dispelled any doubts about their capabilities by mounting a strong comeback, securing three consecutive victories. Previews, possible starting 11, expert tips, and odds are provided below.

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Elfsborg are in a favorable position to clinch their 7th league championship, marking their first triumph since the 2011/12 season. Presently, they maintain a two-point lead over Malmo, who holds the second position in the league, with only four rounds left to play. Nevertheless, considering that Elfsborg are set to face Malmo in the final game of the season, they would prefer to secure a comfortable lead prior to that crucial match. Fortunately for Elfsborg, their upcoming schedule for the next three games appears relatively simple, as they are slated to compete against teams positioned in the lower echelons of the league standings: AIK, Degerfors, and Goteborg.

The backup striker, Per Frick, who was sidelined for the previous three matches due to a muscle injury, is on the verge of making a comeback. This 31-year-old striker has had a rather unremarkable season, managing to score only two goals in 17 appearances and is not considered a pivotal factor for the team's success. Apart from the uncertainty surrounding Frick's availability, the team is expected to have no new injury concerns or suspensions. However, it's worth noting that Viktor Widell remains sidelined with a long-term injury.

Elfsborg currently lead the league table with 57 points from 26 games, boasting an impressive record of 52 goals scored and 22 goals conceded.

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AIK season has been marked by considerable struggles right from the outset, as they found themselves consistently mired in the relegation zone. However, they've undergone a significant turnaround in their fortunes in the last few rounds, winning four out of six matches. This remarkable upturn has propelled AIK to the 11th position in the league standings. Currently, they hold a four-point buffer from the relegation playoff zone, and their safety seems relatively assured, especially when factoring in the poor form of the teams situated below them.

In their 26 games played, AIK have accumulated a total of 31 points, managing to score 29 goals while conceding 32.

It's worth noting that Mads Thychosen, who was serving a one-game suspension during the match against Mjallby, will be back and available for the upcoming game against Elfsborg. However, AIK may be facing some challenges as a few key players, including Jetmir Haliti, Dino Besirovic, and John Guidetti, are in doubt for the upcoming fixture.

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

AIK - Kristoffer Nordfeldt, Mads Thychosen, Alexander Milosevic, Sotiris Papagiannopoulos, Erick Otieno, Rui Modesto, Abdihakin Ali, Anton Salétros, Bersant Celina, Taha Ayari, Ioannis Pittas.

AIK have indeed displayed improved performance lately, especially compared to their early-season struggles. However, it's essential to note that a significant portion of their recent victories has been secured when playing on their home turf. In contrast, their away form leaves much to be desired, as they have suffered three consecutive losses on the road.

On the other hand, Elfsborg's home record appears solid, having managed to maintain clean sheets in 5 out of their last 10 matches at their own stadium. Given their current position at the top of the league and their strong defensive performance at home, there is considerable skepticism surrounding AIK's ability to achieve a positive result against the league's top team.

• W1 for 1.73 odds
• Over 2.5 for 1.70 odds
• BTTS-NO for 2.00 odds