FK Zorya Luhansk vs Maccabi Tel Aviv prediction: EUROPE: Europa Conference League – Group Stage betting tips on match 2023-11-08 20:00.
Currently in the Ukrainian Premier League relegation play-off positions after 11 matches (W2, D4, L5), this season’s UEFA Europa Conference League (UECL) is proving to be a bit of a welcome break for Zorya Luhansk. Unbeaten across their two Group B outings so far (W1, D1), the hosts will be looking for another positive result here to help push them one step closer to qualification for the knockout rounds of a European competition for the first time in club history.
That could be easier said than done on this occasion though, as Zorya have struggled defensively of late. Thursday’s hosts have now failed to keep a clean sheet in their last four encounters, while their form in designated home games remains weak, having won just one of six such contests so far this campaign (D2, L3)!
That’ll be music to the ears of Maccabi Tel Aviv, who travel to Poland’s Lublin Arena for their first fixture since October 5 due to the ongoing situation in Israel and surrounding areas. Robbie Keane’s side have been unable to train as a complete squad ever since, which will likely hamper their efforts in obtaining a positive result.
As things stand, the Yellows have one win and one loss to their name in UECL Group B, sitting behind Gent and Zorya ahead of kick-off. If they’re to jump into the top two after this round and subsequently achieve their second UECL knockout appearance across the last three seasons, the visitors may need to improve on their six-match winless streak against Ukrainian opposition in Europe (D2, L4).
Players to watch: Zorya forward Eduardo Guerrero will be hoping to score against the team he left in the summer and add to his tally of six goals for his current employers – two of which have come inside five minutes. Eran Zahavi, meanwhile, has netted 13 times this campaign, with his nine scoring appearances all ending in victory for Maccabi this term.
Hot stat: During the UECL group stage, Zorya have recorded seven shots on target – a competition-low figure.