Maccabi Tel-Aviv vs Dundalk: Preview and Prediction

Maccabi Tel-Aviv vs Dundalk
UEFA Europa League – Matchday 6
Date: Thursday, 8th December 2016,
Kick-Off at 18:00 UK
Venue: Winner Stadium, Netanya.

It is a three horse race for second place in Group D as teams prepare for the matchday 6 of the Europa League 2016/17. Zenith has already booked their ticket to the knock out round and acquiring an unbeatable 15 points from their 5 matches. While AZ Alkmaar on second are on 5 points.

Both Maccabi Tel-Aviv and Dundalk are locked on 4 points and a win for either sides will send them through if AZ loses. At the same time, a draw will be enough for Maccabi if AZ lose against Zenith. They only way for Dundalk to progress is by winning this fixture.

Maccabi Tel Aviv’s 4 points so far came from the two games against AZ Alkmaar as they earned a 0-0 draw at home before picking up a 2-1 win in the away leg. They lost both their fixtures against Zenith and the first leg against Dundalk away from home.

Dundalk started the competition on a high note with an away draw at AZ before defeating Maccabi 1-0 at home. They lost their next three games, all by a 1 goal margin.

Maccabi Tel-Aviv vs Dundalk: Head-to-head

The first leg clash at the Tallaght Stadium in Dublin is the only meeting between the two sides so far. Ciaran Kilduff scored the goal in the 72nd minute to give Dundalk a 1-0 win on that occasion. Neither Dundalk nor Maccabi Tel-Aviv has faced another team from their opponent’s country.

Maccabi Tel-Aviv vs Dundalk: Prediction

Dundalk will be out there to make history to become the first Irish side to qualify for knockout stages. And this will be a wonderful achievement as they are only in their first ever season in Europa League group stage. They have already snatched the Irish Premier League title and have rested the key players in the previous weeks with this fixture on mind.

Maccabi Tel Aviv have a good home record in the recent Europa League outing, but they have been largely disappointing in this season. They are also coming without a win in the previous 4 matches in all competitions and haven’t scored in any of them. On the basis of the above stats, it is wise to back Dundalk for a win or at least stay unbeaten at the end of 90 minutes.