The UEFA Europa League competition group stage is reaching its finale as we are about to witness last two rounds that will determine the teams that will qualify for the next stage. In this preview, we’ll check out the group A that features Villareal (Spain), Astana (Kazakhstan), Slavia Prague (Czech Republic) and Maccabi Tel Aviv (Israel). Currently, the Spaniards are ranked at the top of the table with eight points while Astana has seven. Slavia Prague is also still in the game with five points while Maccabi team doesn’t have any chances of advancing to the Europa League eighth-finals.
UEFA team competitions midweek is back again so let’s take a closer look and get your piggy bank a bit fatter.
Maccabi Tel Aviv (Isr) vs. Slavia Prague (Cze)
Three-Way: 1: Maccabi Tel Aviv +250; X: +254 Draw; 2: Slavia Prague +135 at BetDSI Sportsbook
Spread +0.5: Maccabi Tel Aviv -130; Slavia Prague +125
Total +2.5: Over +112; Under -118
MACCABI TEL AVIV
The Israeli team has recorded only one point in first four rounds of the competition thus losing any chance of advancing to the next stage. The only point came from a goalless home draw against Villarreal side while three defeats came from two duels with the Kazakhstanis (4:0 on the road and 0:1 at home) and on the road in Prague (1:0). The team actually hasn’t scored a goal yet while conceding six.
In the domestic competition, they are also far away from the last year’s form as they rank at No.4 spot in the league table with 20 points and 6-2-2 record after ten rounds. Their goal difference is 18-12 and 60% of their matches in Ligat HaAl (Israeli top-tier soccer competition) had over 2.5 goals in total. They are coming off from two consecutive victories at home against 12th ranked Hapoel I. Akko (5:2) and bottom-ranked Hapoel Raanana on the road (0:1).
Central midfielder Eyal Golasa (knee injury), right-back Eli Dasa (thigh muscle rupture) and Omet Atzili (fractured foot) are out for Thursday while central midfielder Jose Rodriguez (meniscus tear) is listed as questionable.
SLAVIA PRAGUE
The Slavia from Prague ranks third in the Europa League group A with five points earned so far (1-2-1 record). An interesting fact is that the team is still undefeated on the road with draws against both higher-ranked squads (2:2 in Villarreal and 1:1 in Kazakhstan). Their biggest flop so far was the 0:1 home loss by the Spanish side but they’ve proved that they know how to play on the road and they’ll need a win in Tel Aviv on Thursday if they want to see the eight-finals.
In the domestic competition, they rank also at No. 3 spot with 28 points after 14 rounds and an 8-4-2 record. Their goal difference is 24-5 and 71% of their overall matches in the league had under 2.5 goals in total. They are coming off from a 5:0 home demolition of Dukla Prague last weekend. Team’s leading scorer in the UEFA Europa League is forward Tomas Necid with two goals while Danny and Michael Ngadeu-Ngadjui have one each.
Right-back Jan Boril and central midfielder Ruslan Rotan have yellow card suspensions while centre-back Simon Deli (minor wound) is listed as questionable for Thursday.
Maccabi Tel Aviv (Isr) vs. Slavia Prague (Cze) – Match Prediction
The host in this duel has already been eliminated as they don’t stand any theoretical chances of advancing to the next stage. The Czechs on the other side are in a desperate need of win if they want to build up their eight-finals case and I think they have enough juice to pull it through. Also, the fact that the Israeli team has nothing to lose makes them a notable opponent and builds up the potential for a high-scoring matchup.
MY PICK: Slavia Prague to win (+135)
Additional pick: Over 2.5 goals in total (+112)
FC Astana (Kaz) vs. Villarreal (Spa)
Three-Way: 1: FC Astana +240; X: +239 Draw; 2: Villarreal +152 at BetDSI Sportsbook
Spread 0: FC Astana +140; Villarreal -143
Total +2.5: Over +131; Under -133
FC ASTANA
The Kazakhstani squad’s ranking looks like a surprise but when we look at how much the eastern Europeans are investing to the game of soccer, and the players they have in their team, this accomplishment becomes the expectation and not a fluke. They rank second in the group A with seven points and 7-4 goal difference. With a potential win over Villarreal, they could stamp their ticket to the next stage, under the condition that Slavia doesn’t take full prey in Israel.
In the Kazakhstani premier league, they are run a dead race with Kairat team and they have the upper hand at the moment with 79 points and 25-4-4 record after 33 rounds (one point more than their rival). Their goal difference is 74-21 and 55% of their matches had over 2.5 goals in total. Last weekend they defeated the 10th ranked Akzhayik squad, 2:0. Top scorer in the UEFA Europa League is forward Patrick Twumasi with three goals while another striker, Junior Kabananga has two in his account.
Attacking midfielder Laszlo Kleinheisler (knee injury) has been ruled out for Thursday.
VILLARREAL
The team that was voted as a favorite in this Europa League group has lived up to the expectations so far as they rank at the top of the group ranking with two wins, two draws, no losses and eight points earned. They also have the best goal difference and if they stay undefeated in Kazakhstan they’ll be one step closer to securing the European matches at El Madrigal next spring.
In Spanish Premier league team ranks at No. 6 spot with 21 points after 12 rounds and a 6-3-3 record. They are also undefeated in last six games in this competition and they are coming off from a 1:1 road draw against Atheltic Bilbao on Sunday. Goal difference is 19-12 and 58% of their overall duels had over 2.5 goals in total. Leading scorer in the UEFA Europa League is Carlos Bacca while Denis Cheryshev and Daniele Bonera have one assist each.
Sergio Asenjo (cruciate ligament), Andreas Fernandez (cruciate ligament), Bruno Soriano (leg), Ruben Semedo (muscle), Samu Castillejo (muscle) and Alvaro Gonzalez (wound) are all out for Thursday.
FC Astana (Kaz) vs. Villarreal (Spa) – Match Prediction
This will be a very interesting matchup between two arguably best teams in this group. For this reason, I believe that there will be no winner after the final whistle. This way both squads will stay in the pole position for top two spots and the decision will probably be postponed to the last round. Also, rough weather conditions go in the favor of this being a low-scoring matchup.
MY PICK: Draw (+239)
Additional pick: Under 2.5 goals (-133)
