Young Boys (Sui) vs Maccabi Haifa (Isr) prediction: EUROPE: Champions League – Qualification betting tips on match 2023-08-28 19:00.
Young Boys’ first ever European clash with Israeli opposition ended in a 0-0 draw with Maccabi Haifa, so there remains everything to play for when they host the second leg. That was their third consecutive UEFA Champions League (UCL) draw, but as they’re unbeaten in any competition this term (W3, D3), confidence should be high with qualification for the UCL group stage on the line.
The one-time European Cup semi-finalists haven’t won a home UCL fixture since beating Manchester United 2-1 in September 2021 (D1, L1) so Raphaël Wicky’s side can’t be complacent. He demonstrated how well aware he is of what is required when telling his players the team “will have to be aggressive, will have to be courageous and a little calmer and better when there are opportunities.”
That’s also the case for Haifa, who also missed some chances in the first leg when recording a Flashscore xG count of just 0.36 compared with Young Boys’ 0.17 despite each team attempting eight shots. As a result, they are now unbeaten in four UCL qualifying games (W3, D1) following their first goalless draw in this competition since July 2009! It continues to be a hard slog through the early qualifying rounds, after they needed extra time to see off Sheriff Tiraspol two rounds back, but a second consecutive UCL group stage appearance is within touching distance.
Messay Dego’s side also have useful recent experience as during last season’s second qualifying round, the Greens drew at home with Olympiacos and won 4-0 in the away leg to progress. They’ve also won two of their three away UCL games this term (L1) so with a Europa League spot guaranteed for the losing side and away goals no longer counting double, they’ve every incentive to go on the offensive.
Players to watch: Jean-Pierre Nsame has netted four times for Young Boys this term, twice doing so after the 80th minute, while Haifa’s Dia Saba scored before half-time in two of their last three UCL fixtures.
Hot streak: Each of Haifa’s last six UCL away games was won by the side that scored first (Haifa: W2, L4).