Read our prediction for Maccabi Tel Aviv vs Villarreal below. This preview was written by a sport journalist who is specialised in betting tips and predictions. Use our betting tips for the match between Maccabi Tel Aviv vs Villarreal and you can increase your winnings!
Maccabi Tel Aviv vs Villarreal Prediction & Betting tips
With eleven goals scored, TSG Hoffenheim is the second best offensive of the competition after the first three games of the group stage of this year’s Europa League season. Only the yellow submarine from Villarreal was able to celebrate again with twelve goals.
The Spanish EL specialist leads the table in Group I and, depending on the outcome of the games on Thursday, could buy the ticket for the knockout phase early on. An away win is required in the duel between Maccabi Tel Aviv and Villarreal.
The Israelis are currently the first pursuer of the Emery-Elf with six points on the credit side. In the first leg three weeks ago, however, the Tel Aviv team had no chance against unleashing Spaniards.
Maccabi Tel Aviv:
Nationally top, internationally a flop – that was how the Israelis’ past season could be described. This season, however, the team is showing a different face. The looseness in the national championship is no longer there, but Maccabi Tel Aviv was able to convince internationally again. The team is now in the group stage of the UEFA Europa League for the fifth time, only once in the four previous attempts made it into the knockout phase.
After the Champions League dream in the duel with Red Bull Salzburg burst due to countless failures, the reigning Israeli champions presented themselves as strong as a bear at the start of the group phase. It could be expected that Villarreal would represent the non-plus-ultra in this group.
The two opening wins against direct rivals Qarabag Agdam and Sivasspor were all the more important. Maccabi Tel Aviv is three points ahead of Sivasspor and six points over Qarabag Agdam. In addition, the Israelis contest the direct duel against Süperlig Klub Sivasspor on the last matchday at home.
The team led by the Greek head coach Georgios Donis lived up to international expectations, but this was by no means the case in the league. After Maccabi Tel Aviv were champions last year without defeat and with 19 wins in 27 games, it was not until their fifth game this season before the reigning champions celebrated a league victory.
After an opening defeat and three draws in a row, two victories were recently celebrated. The Israeli top club climbed into the table and are only two points behind the table leader.
In terms of quality, the Israelis are certainly much weaker, but especially in home games, the team often presents itself as an unpleasant opponent. Villarreal will by no means have as easy a game as it was three weeks ago. A close match is to be expected and in this respect there appears to be no value between Maccabi Tel Aviv and Villarreal when it comes to the tip on the Spanish guests.
Villarreal:
Villarreal has been known for extremely well-kept and attractive football for years. With the engagement of star trainer Unai Emery, Villarreal was able to get a trainer this summer who can tease out a few percent more from the existing potential. So far, the yellow submarine has presented itself from its best side and currently ranks third in the Spanish LaLiga table.
The return to the premier class is Villarreal’s big dream, but initially the team is once again operating internationally in the Europa League. This competition can undoubtedly be called the Spaniards’ favorite competition. The away game in Tel Aviv will be Villarreal’s 78th appearance, meaning that the team has played six more games than Red Bull Salzburg, who are in second place in these statistics.
No fewer than 136 goals were scored, which is also the highest figure and should the 42nd victory succeed on Thursday, the team would draw level with the reigning champions FC Sevilla. Despite these outstanding numbers, Villarreal was able to top everything that has been there so far this season. Three wins with twelve goals scored mean the best start to an EL year ever for Villarreal.
Due to the extremely dense program, Unai Emery will be spinning vigorously this time too. With youngsters like Yeremi Pino and Alejandro Baena, the yellow submarine has great talents, but the squad is also very strong in other respects. Real loan from Kubo, Chukwueze or Funes Mori push into the starting line-up.
Despite often large-scale rotations in the Europa League, Villarreal has not lost in the group stage for twelve away games (four wins, eight draws).
Maccabi Tel Aviv vs Villarreal head to head matches
05.11.20 EL Villarreal Maccabi Tel Aviv 4 : 0
07.12.17 EL Villarreal Maccabi Tel Aviv 0 : 1
28.09.17 EL Maccabi Tel Aviv Villarreal 0 : 0