Villarreal put their unbeaten record in the Europa League so far this season on the line when they host Maccabi Tel Aviv next week. The home side have already confirmed their place in the knockout phase of the competition thanks to three wins from their five matches, while their opponents have nothing but pride to play for, having collected just a single point in Group A so far.
Europa League – Estadio de la Cerámica, Vila-real – Thursday 7th December – 18:00 UK Time
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Draw Best Odd of: 9/2 at Skybet |
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Villareal FC
Maccabi Tel AvivMatch Preview
Spanish side Villarreal take on Maccabi Tel Aviv in the Europa League next week, with the home side looking to secure their position at the top of the Group A standings with three points. With top playing bottom on Thursday evening, the game is set to attract a whole host of bets. For those still unsure of where to stake your money, be sure to check out our top betting tip below. However, let’s first take a closer look at the two teams, starting with the home side.
Villarreal Team News & Form
Villarreal come into this match off the back of a disappointing defeat against Sevilla, despite being 2-0 up at one stage. However, a 3-2 win over FC Astana last time out in Europe means that the Spanish side are safely through to the knockout phase of the competition with a game to spare. Villarreal have scored ten goals from their five matches to date in Group A, with the likes of Denis Cheryshev and Roberto Soriano having starred during such encounters. Meanwhile, striker Cédric Bakambu has three goals to his name already. However, manager Javier Calleja could well choose to rest some of his star names for their clash with Maccabi Tel Aviv, with some important league fixtures coming up over the coming weeks.
Maccabi Tel Aviv Team News & Form
Maccabi Tel Aviv’s defeat against Slavia Prague last week was their fourth loss of the campaign to date, leaving them on just a single point in the Group A standings. Amazingly, the Israeli side have failed to score a single goal in their five matches to date, with the pressure on the likes of Barak Yitzhaki and on-loan Derby County man Nick Blackman to start delivering in front of goal. However, Maccabi did hold Villarreal to a goalless draw in their previous meeting in Israel.
Head to Head
The 0-0 draw between Villarreal and Maccabi Tel Aviv earlier in the season was the first ever competitive meeting between the two clubs, meaning that few conclusions can be made surrounding their head-to-head record.
Betting Odds and Predictions
Given their performances so far in Europe this season and their status as the home team, it comes as little surprise that it is Villarreal who are the firm favourites for victory with the bookmakers. The home side can be backed at odds of 4/11 with William Hill, while those looking to bet on a surprise away win for Maccabi Tel Aviv can get odds of 10 with the same bookmaker.
Top Betting Tip
However, our top betting tip for the match is to bet on Villarreal keeping a clean sheet in Spain next week, with best odds of 10/11 available at Ladbrokes.