/https%3A%2F%2Fmedia.footballwhispers.com%2Fmain%2F2026%2F07%2Fimago1077057783-e1785272149133.jpg)
With one foot in the third round of the 2026 Europa League qualifiers, Maccabi Tel Aviv welcome Sheriff to Adjarabet Arena on Thursday.
The hosts cruised to an emphatic victory in last week's first leg at Sheriff Arena, marking the first-ever meeting between the sides.
Read our prediction, preview and betting tips for the game below, and make sure to check out today's betting tips page for more of our expert predictions.
Maccabi Tel Aviv vs. Sheriff key stats
- Both teams have scored in five of Maccabi Tel Aviv's last seven matches.
- Sheriff's recent loss to Maccabi Tel Aviv is their only defeat in their last 12 games ahead of Thursday's contest.
- The visitors are also unbeaten in their last four away matches.
Maccabi Tel Aviv vs. Sheriff preview: Mountain to climb for Sheriff
Maccabi Tel Aviv vs. Sheriff — Tale of the Tape
| Maccabi Tel Aviv | vs | Sheriff |
|---|---|---|
| N/A | Position | 1st (Moldovan Super Liga) |
| N/A | Points | 11 |
| N/A | Goals For | 10 |
| N/A | Goals Against | 4 |
| N/A | Clean Sheets | 3 |
| N/A | Home / Away Rank | 3rd |
After finishing outside the top two in the Israeli Premier League for the first time since 2023, Maccabi Tel Aviv appeared set for a place in the Conference League until State Cup glory handed them a route into Europe's secondary competition.
Aiming to reclaim their league crown, Kenny Miller's side have started the 2026-27 season in strong form, securing a 3-1 victory over Hapoel Be'er Sheva in the Super Cup before last week's demolition of Sheriff.
That win ended a nine-match winless run in this competition, eight of which came in last season's League Phase, where Maccabi finished bottom of the 36-team standings.
During that run, the Yellows lost all four of their home matches by a combined score of 15-1 and will be eager to return to winning ways in European competition in front of their fans, who have not seen a continental home victory since August 2025.
Despite holding a near-unassailable advantage, Thursday's hosts are unlikely to ease off as they look to build momentum ahead of the start of their league campaign on August 22.
No team has ever managed to overturn a five-goal first-leg deficit, and that is the challenge facing Sheriff as they prepare to travel to Batumi for what increasingly appears to be a dead-rubber tie.
For a team needing at least five goals in their next outing, Sunday's goalless draw against Milsami was hardly ideal preparation for Victor Mihailov's side, who have now failed to score in each of their last two matches.
The Wasps did beat Aluminij 1-0 away from home after a goalless first-leg stalemate in round one to progress, but had lost each of their previous five European away matches, dating back to August 2024.
To make matters worse, Sheriff are likely to be without Vladimir Fratea for Thursday's clash; a significant blow, as the 23-year-old has registered six direct goal contributions in his last eight matches either side of his summer move to Tiraspol.
Maccabi Tel Aviv vs. Sheriff form guide & betting tips
| Maccabi Tel Aviv | vs | Sheriff |
|---|---|---|
WW |
Form | WWWDL |
| 8 | Goals For | 8 |
| 1 | Goals Against | 9 |
W |
Europa League qualification | DWL |
Whispers predicts: Maccabi Tel Aviv 3-1 Sheriff
Maccabi are in scintillating form and are favourites to press home their advantage. We cannot envisage any other outcome than a home win at 3/10 (1.30).
With seven of the hosts' last eight matches yielding three or more goals, over 2.5 goals at 9/17 (1.53) appears a safe pick.
Maccabi have scored at least two goals in each of their last competitive matches, making home team to score over 1.5 goals at 2/5 (1.40) another appealing selection.
> Home to win at 3/10 (1.30) | Likelihood: Possible
> Over 2.5 goals at 9/17 (1.53) | Likelihood: Probable
> Maccabi over 1.5 goals at 2/5 (1.40) | Likelihood: Probable