Hapoel Be’er Sheva v FC Lugano Betting Tips: Israelis to dispose of minnows with ease

This match may not seem that exciting on the face of it, however, these are often the best matches to bet on as you can find real value in the markets.

Hapoel Be’er Sheva have had a glorious last couple of seasons with consecutive title triumphs in Israel along with a first ever European knockout phase appearance last year. Given the fact that they have been drawn in a relatively easy Europa League group, many are expecting them to repeat last year’s feat this time around. However, if they are to do so, they will have to improve on their start to the season which has seen them take just four points from a possible nine in their opening three league matches.

Goals have been a big problem for The Camels in domestic football so far this season with just one goal scored in each of their three league outings so far. Having said that, they seem to relish playing in Europe – demonstrated by the fact they found the back of the net 10 times in their six Champions League qualifiers this season before being knocked out by Slovenian side Maribor. Unfortunately though, this attacking style means the are vulnerable at the back with just two clean sheets kept in those aforementioned six Champions League outings.

Barak Bakhar’s side have an excellent record at home with just one competitive defeat on their own patch since 16th February. Additionally, they have found the back of the net in all but one of their matches in all competitions since October 2016. Many would be quick to put this decent home record down to the weakness of the Israeli league, however, they have also been excellent in home European matches for the last couple of years with seven wins and just two losses in 12 matches (Champions League and Europa League).

Lugano qualified for the Europa League Group Stage after finishing third in the Swiss Super League last season. This is the first time they have reached the group phase of any European competition so they obviously lack experience. However, unlike many other European minnows, Lugano genuinely have almost no European experience. They have played one tie in their history and lost it 3-1 on aggregate against Latvian side FK Ventspils back in 2002.

Although they finished third last year, Lugano arguably had problems at both ends of the pitch with just 52 goals scored (the worst in the top six) and 61 conceded (the worst in the top four). The defence, in particular, has not been much better this time around with just one clean sheet in their seven league games so far.

Pierluigi Tami’s men have played the two strongest teams in Switzerland in their last two matches outside of Lugano, taking just one point from a possible six. Whilst going away to FC Basel and BSC Young Boys in consecutive away trips was undoubtedly a difficult task, the lack of points goes to show the team’s rather low level going into this match on Thursday.

Hapoel are clearly the favourites here and I expect them to use their goalscoring power and experience to expose this vulnerable Lugano backline. Hapoel Be’er Sheva to Win and Over 1.5 Goals Total seems good value at Evens.