Preview: Hibernian vs. IF Elfsborg

Hibernian kick off their European campaign tomorrow afternoon when Swedish side IF Elfsborg come to Easter Road in the first leg of the second round of this years Intertoto Cup. We preview the game and predict the likely outcome. A word of warning - if you're a Hibs fan, you might want to watch this instead.

The Swedish season has just resumed following a break while the European Championships took place. IF Elfsborg where represented by two players in the competition; goalkeeper John Wiland failed to make an appearance but midfielder Anders Svenson played in all three of Sweden's group games. IF Elfsborg played their last game four days ago when they beat Djurgården 0-2, a win which kept them in second place in the league where they are currently trailing leaders Kalmar FF by four points.

While IF Elfsborg are in the middle of their domestic competition, Hibernian have not played a competitive game since their 2-0 defeat away to Motherwell on the last day of season 2007/08. That defeat saw them finish in sixth place in the league.

History in the Competition

Hibernian entered this years competition as the highest-placed team to have applied for the Intertoto Cup; the other applicants, Falkirk, finished three points behind them. Hibernian last competed in the Intertoto Cup in 2006 when they went out in the second round to Danish side Odense. In 2004 they lost out in the first round to Vetra Vilnius of Lithuania.

Though they have competed in the UEFA Cup before (most recently last season when they finished bottom of their group), this is the first time that IF Elfsborg have competed in the Intertoto Cup. The game against Hibernian is their second game in this years competition, having knocked out Faroe Island minnows HB Tórshavn 4-1 on aggregate in the first round.

Team News

For Hibernian, midfielder Merouane Zemmama is out with a broken bone in his foot, while Abdessalam Benjelloun is still on holiday following his international commitment for Morocco. If selected, Irish defender David van Zanten is likely to make his debut following his transfer from St Mirren at the end of last season.

IF Elfsborg have not reported any injuries, so they'll bring a full strength squad to Edinburgh, though they will be without Lasse Nilsson, the 26-year-old twice-capped striker who spent last season on loan with French side Saint Etienne.

Prediction

We think that IF Elfsborg are a strong team that could give Hibernian a tough game. Hibernian need to be sharp and focussed and try not to concede away goals for the return leg in Borås next week. Counting against Hibernian is the fact the IF Elfsborg are in the middle of their domestic competition, so they're fit, they're sharp and they're in good form. We predict a win for the Swedish side: Hibernian 0-2 IF Elfsborg

Match Details

Venue: Easter Road
Date: Sunday 6 July
Kick off: 3pm
Coverage: Live on BBC Radio Scotland MW