Dundalk v Maccabi Tel Aviv Betting Tips

Irish side Dundalk made history when they qualified for the group stages of this tournament a few months ago. Although they’d been involved in the qualifying rounds of both the UEFA Cup/Europa League and the European Cup/Champions League several times previously, the 2016/2017 renewal of the former is a first proper foray into European football for Dundalk – a great achievement for a club who play their football in a ground that holds less than 5,000 fans.

In securing a credible 1-1 draw against AZ Alkmaar on match-day one, the Irish outfit proved that they’re not just in Group D to make up the numbers and, win, lose or draw, they’ll be fighting til the death.

Tonight’s opponents Maccabi Tel Aviv will be looking to bounce back in this fixture as they managed to lose their opening match in ridiculous fashion. The Israeli side led Zenit St. Petersburg three goals to nil with less the 14 minutes left on the clock and, somehow, they managed to walk off the pitch with zero points – Zenit staged an incredible comeback late in the day and took all three points (3-4).

As was the case in both of their opening games, goals are fancied here. Firstly, at odds of 21/20 ‘Both Teams to Score’ is one bet that is definitely worth being on in this match.

Both teams found the net in each of the matches played by these two in this competition a fortnight ago, while their respective goal-scoring records of late reflects positively too. Dundalk have scored at least one goal in each of their last ten fixtures, while you’d have to go back more than 20 games in the results of the visitors to find a match where they failed to score a goal. In addition, both teams have scored in three of the last five Dundalk matches and in five of the last ten, while each team has found the net in six of the last ten Maccabi matches. Now, this record might not exactly scream cert, but it still means that, at odds of 21/20, good value is being obtained.

Secondly, a bet of ‘Over 2.5 Goals’ at odds of 13/10, is also a must in this match. Dundalk aren’t exactly a side who’re known for such an outcome in their own league, but they do enjoy a real dominance over the rest of the division and thus they don’t find themselves facing a side of Maccabi’s quality all that often. It is the visitors who help to make this bet look a real standout. More than two goals have been scored in each of the last five and in nine of the last ten Maccabi Tel Aviv matches.

Elsewhere, the visitors also have a favourable ‘Over 2.5 Goals’ record when it comes to their recent European exploits. As well as in match-day one of this group campaign, three or more goals hit the net in six of their last eight European matches. It’s pretty clear that the visitors struggle to play out low-scoring encounters.

The Israeli side pride themselves on their attacking football and, even as the visitors here, they will come and attack. Scoring goals isn’t a problem for them and it’s highly likely that they’ll find the net here, however, particularly in Europe, they aren’t so sharp at the back and the hosts should also get plenty of chances, especially on the break.

As well as the two bets above, the combination bet of ‘Over 2.5 Goals & Both Teams to Score’ is a logical addition to the betting armoury ahead of this one.

See all of Thursday’s tips here.