IF Elfsborg vs Kalmar FF - Allsvenskan

The Allsvenskan returns to the home ground on September 13, 2026, where IF Elfsborg and Kalmar FF will lock horns in a contest that could shape their respective campaigns. The left-back was taken off in the final minutes against Everton with cramp, and was not risked for the Champions League clash vs Sabah on Thursday.

A glance at the Allsvenskan table tells the story: IF Elfsborg in 4th and Kalmar FF in 13th, with positions to defend and places to climb. It has been a solid if unspectacular run for the hosts — WLWDW across their last five with a win rate of 42.86% — and they will want to push on from here. The visitors have been enduring a wretched campaign, LLLDL in their last five and a season win rate of just 23.81% that leaves them deep in trouble. Goals could be in short supply or plentiful — IF Elfsborg average 1.38 per game to Kalmar FF's 1, and that gap may dictate the rhythm of the contest. Ipswich would be open to permanent offers for the winger, who has three years to run on his contract.

Tactically, the contest promises a fascinating contrast. IF Elfsborg will look to impose their style on home soil, while Kalmar FF are likely to have ideas of their own about how to gain the upper hand. And his efficiency in possession will be helped by those whom he now shares a dressing room with, allowing a more progressive midfielder to develop akin to City's style.

All eyes will be on the league's leading marksman K. Lien, whose 15 goals this season make him the standout threat and a player capable of deciding the outcome on his own. The battle in midfield, where both sides look to control tempo, could prove the decisive arena. One of McInnes' decisions will likely be who starts up front in the absence of captain Lawrence Shankland and fellow striker Youssef Chermiti.

Predicting an outright winner is no easy task given how little separates the two sides on paper. Backed by home advantage and superior form, IF Elfsborg ought to prevail — a 2-1 victory looks the logical call. With the standings tight and form on the line, this is a fixture neither side will want to lose. Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player Liverpool's midfield wasn't great last year but I expect Florian Wirtz to have a better season, 100 per cent.