Southampton vs Hapoel Beer Sheva: Preview and Prediction

Southampton vs Hapoel Beer Sheva
UEFA Europa League – Matchday 6
Date: Thursday, 8th December 2016,
Kick-Off at 20:05 UK
Venue: St. Mary’s Stadium, Southampton.

The two Europa League debutants Southampton and Hapoel Be’er Sheva face-off at the St. Mary’s Stadium for a place in the first knock-out round of the competitions.

The group has been already won by Sparta Prague with 12 points, while Be’er Sheva and Southampton are second and third respectively with 7 points. While Inter Milan are eliminated after managing just 3 points from their 5 matches so far.

Hapoel Beer Sheva are only ahead of Southampton on the basis of a 0-0 draw in the first leg clash between the two on matchday 2. A draw by any score-line will certainly sent the Israeli outfit through, while Southampton must win to progress.

The Saints have won both their home fixtures in the group stage, 3-0 against Sparta on matchday 1 followed by a 2-1 win against Inter Milan. While they are win-less away from home. Beer Sheva on the other hand started the tournament with a 2-0 surprise win away at Inter Milan. They defeat the same side again on matchday 5, when they came back from 2 goals down to earn a priceless 3-2 win.

Southampton vs Beer Sheva: Head-to-head stats

The first leg clash at the Turner Stadium on matchday 2 is the lone meeting between the two sides. Neither Southampton nor Hapoel Be’er Sheva had previously met clubs from their opponent’s country.

Clubs from England and Israel have met on 17 fixtures in the history of UEFA competitions. The English clubs dominated those fixtures bagging 11 wins and 4 draws and were beaten only twice 2 defeats. An Israeli club had never won in English soil with the 8 fixtures ending in 2 draws and 6 defeats.

Southampton vs Beer Sheva: Prediction

Southampton are coming on the back of a 3-0 away defeat on the weekend away from home at Crystal Palace. The result is no surprise as their recent away form is nothing less than terrible. At the same time, their form at home is pretty strong and were beaten only once this season.

Be’er Sheva are a side capable of surprising their higher ranked opponents and are coming on the back of some excellent results in the domestic league. However, they have only won once in the 5 away matches in Europe this season. We believe Southampton who have a good home record will take nothing less than a win from this fixture.