Paris SG vs Maccabi Haifa prediction: EUROPE: Champions League – Group Stage betting tips on match 2022-10-24 19:00.
The âgoals scoredâ count was all that separated Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) and Benfica at the top of Group H of the 2022/23 UEFA Champions League (UCL) following four rounds, after both sides had to settle for a pair of 1-1 H2H draws in their last two UCL outings. As far as the French Ligue 1 leaders are concerned, victory here for PSG against Israeli champions Maccabi Haifa would secure their 11th consecutive UCL playoffs appearance, whilst maintaining their place as one of up to three clubs across Europeâs top five leagues still unbeaten across all competitions (W13, D4) in 2022/23.
A solitary loss across the Parisiansâ previous 32 home UCL group stage outings suggests theyâre primed to achieve that goal (W25, D6), although their European home record against Israeli opposition makes for mixed reading (W1, D1, L1). The one draw in that record came against Maccabi back in 1998 (1-1), but PSG's 3-1 win in the first leg of this group stage illustrates just how far they have progressed in 24 years.
Maccabi have enjoyed an excellent start after nine rounds of Israeli Premier League action (W7, L2), challenging for a third consecutive title in what is UEFAâs lowest ranked league (#22) of all divisions represented in this UEFA Champions League (UCL) group stage. Doubts about their ability to compete on the highest European stage were alleviated with a 2-0 home win against Juventus on matchday four (W1, L3), and they remain firmly on course for a UEFA Europa League qualification via the third spot.
Itâs unlikely to be an easy trip for coach Barak Bakharâs men, with Maccabi set for a tough test against PSG knowing theyâve gone winless in three European visits to France (D1, L2). In fact across their history, Maccabi have never won a single UCL group stage away game (D1, L6), and if they manage to upset the odds here, the Greens would become the first Israeli side to claim consecutive group stage wins in this competition!
Players to watch: Kylian MbappĂ© could be keen for a good start considering he has opened the scoring in PSGâs five previous UCL home matches, three times within the opening ten minutes. Meanwhile, Macccabiâs UCL resurgence may need a lift from Omer Atzili, as he netted a brace against Juventus and led his team to a win in his last four goal-scoring matches.
Hot streak: Each of the previous three H2Hs were level at half-time, with the game's closing goal coming in the 87th minute or later.