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Maccabi Tel Aviv’s Europa League campaign started off on a difficult note this season. The Israeli side suffered four consecutive defeats, losing to Braga (2-1), Midtjylland (0-2), Real Sociedad (0-2), and Ajax (5-0), which put a significant dent in their hopes of qualifying. However, they managed to turn things around with a 1-3 win over Besiktas in their most recent match, lifting them to 31st place in the standings, just two points behind the 24th position that would secure a spot in the play-offs. This struggle in Europe contrasts with their strong domestic form, where they sit atop the league standings. Maccabi will look to extend their good run when they face Hapoel Hadera next weekend.
On the other hand, RFS (Riga FC) has faced considerable challenges in the Europa League, still searching for their first win. The Latvians have suffered three away defeats in the first five matchdays, losing to FCSB (4-1), Eintracht Frankfurt (1-0), and PAOK Salonika (0-2). Their home form has been slightly better, with draws against Galatasaray (2-2) and Anderlecht (1-1). RFS’s domestic season concluded over a month ago, with the team securing their third Latvian championship title.
For Maccabi Tel Aviv, defenders Bitton and Davidzada, who were also unavailable for the Besiktas match, are likely to miss this game as well. However, the squad should otherwise be at full strength, with key players such as former Bordeaux midfielder Sissokho and Israeli international Peretz, who scored in the win over Besiktas. Turgeman, who has five league goals and one Europa League goal, will also be a key player to watch.
RFS will be missing several important figures, including long-term absentee defender Jatta, key defender Mares, midfielder Diomandé (who has 11 goals and 4 assists in the league), and striker Deocleciano (7 goals and 6 assists in the league). Midfielder Markhiev also joined the injury list after the latest match. Despite these absences, RFS can rely on forward Lemajic (10 league goals) and playmaker Ikaunieks (16 goals and 7 assists in the league, 1 goal and 2 assists in C3).
Prediction
Maccabi Tel Aviv has been struggling in the Europa League, failing to win any of their last 11 matches in the competition, with five of those resulting in defeats. In stark contrast, RFS has shown a more solid performance. Given this, a narrow win for RFS seems likely in this encounter.
Prediction: Maccabi Tel Aviv 0-1 RFS.
