Paris SG – Maccabi Haifa : Preview & Prediction
Goals scored is all that separates Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) and Benfica at the top of UEFA Champions League (UCL) Group H after four rounds, as the two sides drew their two UCL clashes 1-1. For the Ligue 1 leaders, a win against Israeli champions Maccabi Haifa would leave them in the Champions League playoffs for the 11th straight season, while also keeping them as one of three unbeaten clubs in the big five leagues in all competitions (G13, E4).
There is only one defeat in the last 32 UCL home games for the Parisians, so such goals seem within reach (G25, E6), although their home record against Israeli teams is not as positive (G1, E1, P1). That draw came against the same Maccabi in 1998 (1-1), but the 3-1 draw illustrates the difference between the two after 24 years.
Maccabi have made a great start to their league campaign after nine rounds (G7, E2) and are seeking a third straight title in the lowest-ranked UEFA league (#22) of all those represented in the UEFA Champions League (UCL) group stage. Doubts about their ability to compete in Europe were assuaged after a 2-0 home win over Juventus last time out (G1, E3) and they are in contention for third place, which gives access to the UEFA Europa League.
It will not be an easy match for Roger Schmidt’s side, as Maccabi will have a tough test against PSG, and that without having won on their last three visits to France (E1, P2). In fact, Maccabi have never won a UCL group match away from home in their history (E1, P6), and if they manage to win, they will be the first Israeli team to string together two straight wins in the group stage of the competition.
Players to watch: Kylian Mbappé could be off to a good start, given that he has scored his team’s first goal in the last five UCL home games, three of them in the first 10 minutes. While, for Maccabi, it will be important for Omer Atzili to plug in, as he scored both goals against Juventus and has helped his team win in the last four games in which he has scored.
Key stat: All three previous meetings between the two were tied at halftime, with the last goal of the game coming in the 87th minute.
Paris SG – Maccabi Haifa : Betting Tips
OVER 3.5 GOALS Odds: 1.85
