Maccabi Haifa FC vs Villarreal Prediction & Betting Tips - Europa League

Prediction published on 09/11/2023, 04:33  by Steve Ashfield | Modified on 09/11/2023 at 05:33 in Europa League Predictions

Maccabi Haifa host Villlarreal in Group F of the Europa League desperately needing to earn something from this game. They are bottom of the group with their opponents in third place. Due to the war this game is being played in Cyprus rather than Israel. These two sides have only played two games in the group after the reverse fixture was postponed. Maccabi are have only one point so far and trail their opponents by two points. They are three adrift of second placed Panathinaikos and five behind leaders Rennes with a game in hand. The home side began this group badly conceding a first minute goal at Rennes and eventually losing 3-0. They then drew 0-0 at home with Panathinaikos  befor their season was disrupted. Maccabi haven't played since that October 5 game against Panathinaikos and now have to play their home games on neutral soil.

Villarreal are still hopeful of reaching the knockout stages. A win over Maccabi would put them in a position where at least a third place finish would look likely and a transfer to the Europa Conference League. They are only a pont behind Panathinakos with a game in hand. The La Liga side lost their opening group game to the Greeks 2-0 but then bounced back with a 1-0 home win over Rennes. They are 13th in La Liga but come into this game having won two of their last three league and cup games. A tight match looks likely and we go for under 2.5 goals to be scored.