Maccabi Petah Tikva vs Sporting Braga Prediction: Sporting Braga is expected to defeat Maccabi Petah Tikva with a predicted score of 1-0 (3-0 on aggregate), advancing to the next round of Europa League qualification.
The UEFA Europa League qualification continues as Maccabi Petah Tikva host Sporting Braga in the second leg of their second qualifying round tie. The Israeli side faces a daunting task, trailing 2-0 from the first leg in Portugal.
Match Preview
Maccabi Petah Tikva enter this crucial home fixture with their European dreams hanging by a thread. The Israeli Cup winners were outclassed in the first leg, conceding goals to Ricardo Horta and Rodrigo Zalazar. Now, they must overturn a two-goal deficit to keep their Europa League hopes alive.
Sporting Braga, on the other hand, arrive in Israel with a comfortable advantage. The Portuguese side dominated the first leg and will be confident of securing their place in the next round. However, complacency could be their biggest enemy as they face a potentially tricky away tie.
Maccabi Petah Tikva vs Sporting Braga Lineups and Formations
Predicted Maccabi Petah Tikva Lineup (Probable 4-3-3): Mahamid, Hazan, Handy, Wolff, Teper, Glazer, Deznet, Stor, Cohen, Galabov, Caro.
Manager Dan Roman is likely to field an attacking lineup as his team chases the game. Captain Muhammad Handy will need to marshal the defense to prevent further damage.
Predicted Sporting Braga Lineup (Probable 4-2-3-1): Niakate, Banza, Roger, Bruma, Zalazar, R. Horta, Matheus, Marin, Saatci, Gomez, Moutinho.
Braga manager Daniel Sousa may opt for a more conservative approach to protect their lead. The experienced Joao Moutinho will be crucial in controlling the midfield tempo.
Injury News
Maccabi Petah Tikva have no reported injuries, giving them a full squad to choose from as they attempt their comeback.
Sporting Braga also appear to have a clean bill of health, allowing Sousa to select his strongest lineup.
Where to Watch Maccabi Petah Tikva vs Braga Live?
The match will be played at the Vivacom Arena – Georgi Asparuhov in Sofia, Bulgaria, due to the ongoing security situation in Israel. Kick-off is scheduled for 18:30 local time.
Maccabi Petah Tikva vs Sporting Braga Live Streaming and TV Schedule:
- Israel: Sport 2
- Portugal: Sport TV Multiscreen, Sport TV2
Television coverage may be limited in other countries, but the game should be available on various streaming platforms depending on your location.
Who Will Win?
While Maccabi Petah Tikva will be desperate to turn the tie around, Sporting Braga’s quality and two-goal cushion make them strong favorites to progress. The Portuguese side’s European experience and superior squad depth should see them through, even if they face some nervous moments.
Maccabi Petah Tikva vs Braga Prediction: Maccabi Petah Tikva 0-1 Sporting Braga (Braga win 3-0 on aggregate)
Key Stats and Form
- Maccabi Petah Tikva have lost their last three matches in all competitions
- Sporting Braga finished fourth in the Portuguese Primeira Liga last season
- This is Maccabi Petah Tikva’s first European campaign since 2005
- Braga have reached the Europa League group stage in seven consecutive seasons
Head-to-Head
The first leg was the only previous meeting between these two sides, with Braga winning 2-0 at home.
Latest News
Maccabi Petah Tikva will be buoyed by their recent Israeli Cup triumph, which secured their place in this competition. However, they’ve struggled for form since, including a 2-0 defeat in the Israeli Super Cup.
Sporting Braga have been active in the transfer market, bringing in promising youngsters like Rodrigo Zalazar and strengthening their squad depth. They’ll be eager to build on last season’s fourth-place finish in Portugal and make a mark in Europe.
As the teams prepare for this crucial encounter, all eyes will be on whether Maccabi Petah Tikva can produce a memorable comeback or if Sporting Braga will comfortably secure their passage to the next round of Europa League qualification.
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