Maccabi Haifa – Villarreal : Preview & Prediction
Maccabi Haifa plays at the AEK Arena (Larnaca, Cyprus) its first official match since October 5, when it plays against Villarreal in a match corresponding to the fourth round of the UEFA Europa League (UEL). With no domestic commitments due to the sine die suspension of the Israeli Premier League, Messay Dego’s side have been training in Cyprus since last weekend under heavy security measures.
After Sunday’s training session, Messay Dego declared that the heart of his team “is in Israel”. The Haifa squad is working on the psychological and physical aspect to face in the best possible conditions a match in which they will fight to stop being the only club without a win in Group F. Bottom with one point (E1, P1), Maccabi have lost 23 of their 32 group stage matches (G5, E4, P23) in UEFA competitions since the start of the 2009-10 season, a run that includes a defeat in Larnaca.
In the fourth of their 14 matches scheduled between the end of October and the Christmas break, Villarreal (UEL 2020-21 champions) reacted by scoring twice after going into the break 3-0 down, but the effort was not enough against an Athletic Club side that ended up taking all three points at the Estadio de la Cerámica (VIL 2-3 ATH). The board of the Castellón club, 13th in LaLiga, maintains confidence in Pacheta, but the coach from Burgos could be replaced by Marcelino if they fail to achieve positive results this week.
Irregularity continues to be a huge burden for Villarreal; in their last ten duels against top flight clubs, the Yellow Submarine have failed to string together two identical results (win – draw – loss). It remains to be seen whether the trip to Larnaca can mark a turning point in the groguets’ campaign, victorious in six of their last 12 away continental matches (G6, E2, P4) and currently occupying third place in Group F, one point behind Panathinaikos and three behind leaders Stade Rennais.
Players to watch: Din David will be confident of hitting the reset key and regaining the sharpness he had when he scored in three consecutive Champions League qualifiers at the start of the season. In the absence of Gerard Moreno (rest), Villarreal will need Alexander Sørloth to continue his good form after finding the net in his last two appearances. A goal from the Norwegian striker gave Los Groguets victory against Stade Rennais last month.
Series highlights: There have been draws or a one-goal difference in Villarreal’s last eight matches against top-flight teams.
Maccabi Haifa – Villarreal : Betting Tips
Villarreal – Win Odds: 1.85
