Maccabi Tel Aviv prepare to face Bologna in the final round of the UEFA Europa League league phase at the TSC Arena in Serbia this Thursday and will be looking to bounce back from their disappointing results.
The home team experienced a narrow 1-0 defeat away at SC Freiburg in their recent Europa League game, a result that followed a 2-1 loss against Maccabi Tel Aviv in domestic action. They have now lost three games in a row in all competitions.
Despite these setbacks, the Yellows have shown flashes of resilience in European competition, and they will be desperate to finish their continental campaign with a positive performance against elite Italian opposition to potentially climb from the bottom of the table.
The visiting side, Bologna, arrive in Serbia looking to build on the character shown in their recent 2-2 home draw against Celtic, where they managed to overturn a two-goal deficit.
Vincenzo Italiano has navigated a somewhat inconsistent period for the Rossoblu, which included a disappointing 3-2 home loss to Genoa in Serie A just days after their European outing.
Sitting in the middle of the Europa League standings, the Italian club will view this trip to the TSC Arena as a primary opportunity to secure a victory and improve their ranking ahead of the knockout rounds.
Read our Maccabi Tel Aviv vs Bologna predictions and preview to find out, but remember to also check our other UEFA Europa League predictions.
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Maccabi Tel Aviv vs Bologna prediction: Expect a draw
Key statistics
- Both teams have played BTTS in at least three of their last five games.
- Maccabi Tel Aviv have won three of their last five games.
- The home team are unbeaten in their last five games.
Correct score prediction: Genoa 1-1 Bologna
Ahead of this encounter, we expect the Italian visitors to demonstrate their superior technical quality on the pitch. We predict a 1-1 draw for this game based on the current form of the two teams.
While the Yellows are usually spirited in their home fixtures, the neutral venue in Serbia significantly reduces their home-field advantage and should allow the Serie A outfit to dictate the tempo.
We believe that the Rossoblu will try to get a win in a bid to move up the table, but we expect the home side to hold their ground and get a draw.
Pre-match odds and win probability: Bologna slightly favoured
- Home: 2/1 (3.00) – 33.3%
- Draw: 21/10 (3.10) – 32.3%
- Away: 6/4 (2.50) – 40.0%
*Odds provided by Ladbrokes. Subject to change.*
The bookmakers heavily favour the away side, with odds of 1.60 implying a 62.5% chance of victory. The home side are the weaker team at 5.00 (20.0%), while the draw is priced at 4.20, reflecting a 23.8% probability. Overall, bookmakers expect the visitors to take control, though the draw remains a live alternative.
Most recent head-to-head: No previous history
The upcoming clash marks a historic moment, as it is the first time these two clubs have met in an official UEFA competition. Because there are no previous encounters between the two sides, our analysis relies on their respective performances against similar levels of opposition.
Bologna have managed to remain competitive against diverse playing styles, including their recent high-scoring draw against Celtic and a disciplined performance earlier in the month.
Maccabi Tel Aviv have found the league phase challenging, suffering defeats to major clubs while occasionally holding their own against mid-tier European teams.
However, the experience within the Italian squad when playing on foreign soil suggests they are better equipped to adapt to the neutral conditions in Backa Topola.
After reviewing our key Maccabi Tel Aviv vs Bologna predictions, be sure to visit our website for the remaining football betting tips today.
Maccabi Tel Aviv preview: Missing attacker
Maccabi Tel Aviv have just one player out for this encounter. Ion Nicolaescu is out with an injury, weakening their attacking options and limiting depth up front, but other players are available for selection.
Predicted lineup: Melika (GK), Heitor, Camara, Shlomo, Revivo, Sissokho, Noy, Jehezkel, Peretz, Varela & Farhi
Last five fixtures
- 26.01.26 – Maccabi Tel Aviv 1–2 Hapoel Tel Aviv
- 22.01.26 – Freiburg 1–0 Maccabi Tel Aviv
- 18.01.26 – Maccabi Haifa 4–1 Maccabi Tel Aviv
- 14.01.26 – Hapoel Tel Aviv 1–2 Maccabi Tel Aviv
- 10.01.26 – Maccabi Tel Aviv 1–0 Sakhnin
Bologna preview: Key absences ahead of the match
Bologna have a limited squad for this fixture, with Jhon Lucumi sidelined through injury. This reduces their defensive options and could impact the team’s stability at the back.
Predicted lineup: Skorupski (GK), Zortea, Casale, Heggem, Lykogiannis, Freuler, Ferguson, Rowe, Odgaard, Bernardeschi & Immobile
Last five fixtures
- 25.01.26 – Genoa 3–2 Bologna
- 22.01.26 – Bologna 2–2 Celtic
- 18.01.26 – Bologna 1–2 Fiorentina
- 15.01.26 – Verona 2–3 Bologna
- 10.01.26 – Como 1–1 Bologna
Player to watch: Federico Bernardeschi
Federico Bernardeschi is the player to watch for the visiting side, as he has been the primary creative force for the Rossoblu throughout this European campaign. The Italian international has recorded three goals in this competition.
He demonstrated his quality in recent outings by providing a constant threat on the wing and delivering quality service into the box. His experience in major European tournaments will be the most significant challenge for the Maccabi Tel Aviv defenders to contain.