Maccabi Tel Aviv FC vs Olympiacos Prediction & Betting Tips - Conference League

Prediction published on 12/03/2024, 16:00  by Nella Wagah | Modified on 14/03/2024 at 08:00 in Conference League Prediction

Israeli champions Maccabi Tel Aviv will host Olympiakos at the TSC Arena in Thursday’s Europa Conference League last 16, return leg clash. The hosts are favourites to progress to the last eight of the competition after a resounding 4-1 win in the first leg. Veteran forward Eran Zahavi netted a brace for Maccabi Tel Aviv as AIdo Shahar and Dor Peretz rounded up the scoring. Ayoub El Kaabi netted the consolation for Olympiakos to hand the Greek side faint hopes of advancing to the quarters. Maccabi Tel Aviv extended their six-game winning streak over the weekend, edging Beitar Jerusalem 1-0 courtesy of a penalty from Dan Biton. The victory was crucial as it helped Robbie Keane’s side claim the Israeli Super League title with a game to spare. This brought an end to their three-year wait for a league title, the last having come in 2020. At home, they’ve lost just once in 25 matches and have five wins in the last seven. Maccabi Tel Aviv have also won each of the last eight home matches in the Conference League.

Olympiakos’ Conference League hopes are hanging by a thread following their stunning 4-1 home defeat in the first leg. Even more worrying for Olympiakos is that Maccabi Tel Aviv have won six home games against Greek opposition. In stark contrast, José Luis Mendilibar’s men are winless against Greek sides in the last six games, losing four and drawing two. Their away form in European competitions also inspires little confidence with two wins in 12 games. Progression to the next round of knockout games after losing the first leg has been a massive obstacle. Only twice in 12 games have they advanced to the next knockout stage after losing the first leg. Goals have however been in plenty in Thrylos’ games with four of the last five producing over 2.5 goals.