Matchday 7 of the Europa League 2024/25 group stage between Elfsborg (Sweden) and Nice (France) will take place on January 23 at the Boras Arena. Elfsborg vs. Nice: prediction and betting odds, statistics.
Referee: Igor Pajac (Croatia)
Matches – 7 (International matches, 2024/25);
Yellow cards shown (including second yellows) – 30;
Average yellow cards per match – 4.3;
Red cards shown – 0;
Average fouls per match – 27;
Penalties – 14%.
Predicted lineups for Elfsborg vs. Nice
Elfsborg (4-4-2): Isak Pettersson – Niklas Hult, Terry Yegbe, Sebastian Holmén, Ibrahim Buhari – Ahmed Qasem, Timothy Nuur Ouma, Besfort Zeneli, Simon Hedlund – Arber Zeneli, Michael Baidoo.
Nice (4-3-1-2): Marcin Bulka – Yael Nganjou, Jonathan Clauss, Lorenzo Monteiro, Tom Loche – Youssouf Ndayishimiye, Issiaga Camara, Sofiane Diop – Badredine Bouanani – Evann Guessand, Youssoufa Moukoko.
Each team's starting lineup from their last match in this tournament is listed.
Elfsborg
In the previous round, Oscar Hiljemark's side defeated Qarabag (1-0). The club secured their second victory in the Europa League group stage and ended a winless streak of three matches in this tournament (1 draw, 2 losses). The team is ranked 24th on the table with 7 points. It is worth noting that a loss in the upcoming game could result in Elfsborg's early exit from the Europa League.
- The club has not scored more than one goal in regular time in their last four home matches in this European competition.
- The team scored first in 5 of their last 7 home matches in the Europa League.
- No more than two goals have been scored in regular time in Elfsborg's last six home games in this tournament.
Nice
In the previous round, Franck Haise's side lost to Union (1-2). This result extended the club's winless streak in the Europa League to ten matches (2 draws, 8 losses). Nice is in 35th place in the standings with only 2 points. It is worth noting that the team has minimal chances of advancing to the playoffs. To achieve this goal, the club needs to win the remaining two Europa League games and rely on their competitors' slip-ups.
Nice has many absentees: forward Terem Moffi and midfielder Morgan Sanson are still recovering from injuries, while key defender Moise Bombito, midfielder Pablo Rosario, and forwards Jeremie Boga and Victor Orakpo will also miss out due to health issues. Additionally, the head coach has decided to rest the following key players: forward Gaetan Laborde, midfielders Tanguy Ndombele and Hicham Boudaoui.
- Nice conceded in the first half in 6 of their last 7 away matches in this tournament.
- Both teams scored in regular time in 5 of the team's last 6 Europa League matches.
- At least three goals were scored in 90 minutes in 4 of the club's last 5 games in this European competition.
Elfsborg vs. Nice: Match Prediction
Nice has been lackluster in Europa League away matches, losing in regular time in their last nine away games in this tournament. During these matches, the club not only failed to win but also struggled offensively, failing to score more than one goal on seven occasions in this period.
Elfsborg, on the other hand, consistently delivers successful results in home Europa League matches. The team has won in regular time in 9 of their last 12 home games in this tournament. These successes are primarily due to the club's solid defensive play – Elfsborg has kept clean sheets in 5 of their last 7 home matches in this European competition.
I anticipate that the hosts will extend their unbeaten run in the Europa League in the upcoming match. My prediction: Elfsborg win or draw
