Lech Poznan vs H. Beer Sheva prediction: EUROPE: Europa Conference League – Group Stage betting tips on match 2022-10-05 16:45.
Lech Poznań could reach the halfway mark of UEFA Europa Conference League (UECL) Group C five points clear in second place. But to have any chance of enjoying such a cushion, they must quickly rediscover their shooting boots, following a 0-0 weekend home draw with Legia Warsaw which left them mid-table in the Ekstraklasa going into the new week.
Poznań’s streak of four wins from as many UECL home games played so far fuels hopes of a quick recovery. With the last three of those also seeing dynamic duo Kristoffer Velde and Mikael Ishak both make it onto the scoresheet, there is a clear focal point for the hosts if they find themselves trailing at home for the first time since mid-August and opt to go direct.
Though fresh off a 2-1 weekend success against Maccabi Netanya, Hapoel Be’er Sheva will know that defeat here could all but end their interest in Europe this season. Yet, a brave 2-1 defeat against Villarreal on matchday two did at least see them briefly draw level – as was the case in their only prior trip to Poland (L 2-1 vs Śląsk Wrocław) during last year’s qualifiers.
As well as travelling more than 4,000km with no regular-time win in four UECL matches (D3, L1), Hapoel also remain in wait for a first group stage away victory in any UEFA competition after stunning Inter Milan 2-0 back in September 2016 (D3, L6 since), which set them on course for their only prior knockout round appearance on the continent this century.
Players to watch: Velde was at the double in Poznań’s 4-1 UECL matchday two win against Austria Vienna to add to his two goals in earlier European action. As for Hapoel, Rotem Hatuel netted the equaliser against Villarreal, and has seen all of his seven prior goals this term come after half-time.
Hot stat: Hapoel have conceded via a penalty in three of their last five European outings.