Villarreal vs Maccabi Haifa FC Prediction & Betting Tips - Europa League

Prediction published on 04/12/2023, 14:00  by Steve Ashfield | Modified on 06/12/2023 at 07:00 in Europa League Prediction

Villarreal host Maccabi Haifa in this rearranged Europa League Group F fixture. The home side begin their penultimate group fixture in second place with qualification for the knockout stages already confirmed. Maccabi are bottom of the group but still with a chance of finishing third and going into the Europa Conference League Knockout play-off round. Villarreal have nine points from their four group fixtures. That puts them three points behind leaders Rennes who they have already beaten 1-0 at home. The final game for 'the Yelllow Submarine' is away to the French side on December 14. Winning the group is so important as it takes the winners directly into the Europa League last 16, rather than the play-offs. Villarreal have won three of their four group games, the other a defeat at third-placed Panathinaikos. Home form has seen them win both their group games. The weekend saw Villarreal draw 1-1 at Sevilla, extending their unbeaten run to four games.

Maccabi Haifa are second in their domestic league but won't be progressing to the Europa League knockout stages. They are bottom of this group with just one point from a 0-0 home draw against Panathinaikos. Their final two group games are both away from home and one must be won to give them any chance of finishing third as they trail Panathinaikos by three points. Their one away group game so far ended in a 3-0 loss at Rennes. The reverse fixture against Villarreal was a disappointing affair. They led 1-0 going into the 82nd minute but lost 2-1. Three of their last five away games have been lost and we tip Villarreal to win this.