IFK Värnamo vs IF Elfsborg Prediction: The league leaders will win

League leaders Elfsborg will travel to the Finnvedsvallen on Saturday to face Värnamo in one of the most interesting clashes of the weekend. Previews, possible starting 11, expert tips, and odds are provided below.

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Varnamo head into their upcoming match on the back of an impressive three-game unbeaten streak. They secured a convincing 3-0 victory over Varberg, followed by a 2-1 win against Berga. In their most recent match, they played to a goalless draw against Halmstad. Despite dominating their last game with nearly 70% possession, they were unable to capitalize on their 16 attempts at goal, with only 3 of them finding the target.

As they prepare to face the league leaders, Varnamo have the advantage of not having any significant first-team players sidelined due to injury. However, Evaldo Netinho and Pontus Kingberg remain unavailable due to their respective injuries.

Currently, Varnamo sit in the 9th position on the league table, having accumulated 26 points from 21 matches. They've scored 22 goals while conceding 24, and they'll be looking to continue their quest for points against the formidable league leaders.

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Elfsborg are currently on an impressive three-game winning streak across all competitions. Notably, they secured a 3-2 victory over Norrkoping in their most recent match. Their goal is to maintain their top position in the league, as they currently sit at the top of the table with 48 points earned from 21 matches. They have been prolific in front of goal, scoring 46 times while conceding just 17 goals.Elfsborg hold a 3-point lead over second-placed Malmo, who have accumulated 45 points in the league standings.

Alexander Bernhardsson's availability for the upcoming match is in doubt, as he missed the last game against Norrkoping. Additionally, Viktor Widell remains unavailable due to a long-term injury. Despite these absences, Elfsborg will be eager to maintain their momentum and secure another victory.

Varnamo - Jonathan Rasheed, Victor Larsson, Emin Grozdanic, Victor Eriksson, Viktor Bergh, Oscar Johansson, Hampus Näsström, Wenderson, Marco Bustos, Simon Thern, Albion Ademi.

Elfsborg - Hakon Valdimarsson, Johan Larsson, Sebastian Holmen, Ibrahim Buhari, Gottfrid Rapp, Emmanuel Boateng, Michael Baidoo, Andri Fannar Baldursson, Jeppe Okkels, Sveinn Aron Gudjohnsen, Ahmed Qasem.

Despite both teams possessing strong offensive capabilities, it appears that the home side's goals may not be sufficient to secure a victory in this encounter against the league leaders. While scoring is vital in football, the defensive strategies, overall team form, and individual player performances of the hosts are not as strong as their visitors.

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