Our prediction for this Europa Conference League match:
Hapoel Beer Sheva and Lugano face each other at Toto Turner Stadium in the Conference League third qualifying round, return leg. Hapoel proved their worth in the first leg, with Yosefi and Selmani getting their names on the scoresheet, and, as a result, the Israelis are on the verge of making it to the playoffs. Elyaniv Barda’s men looked solid at the back in the first leg, and they are likely to rely on their defence in Thursday’s clash as well.
The Swiss outfit, on the other hand, suffered yet another disappointing defeat at the weekend, with the team losing to Luzern (1-2) in front of home fans, which is probably the main reason why home win should be considered. To make things even worse for the visiting side, all Aliseda, Hajrizi, Macek, and Facchinetti continue to miss out with injuries.
Highlighted Player (Eitan Tibi):
Eitan Tibi is a profesional footballer who plays for Maccabi Tel Aviv. Born in Jerusalem on 16 November, 1987, Tibi started his senior career at his hometown club Beitar Jerusalem. After ending his spell with Beitar in 2010 he moved to Charleroi and it has to be noted that the made nine league appearances for the Belgium outfit in the 2010/2011 season.
The Israeli defender then returned to his homeland, signing a contract with Ironi Kiryat Shmona, but he spent no more than one season at the club. In the summer of 2012 he signed a three-year contract with Maccabi Tel Aviv and he has been playing for the club ever since. His main position is centre back, but he is capable of playing as a left back as well.
In 2012 Eitan Tibi made his Israel debut against Czech Republic and he has established himself as a first-team regular. He started the 2018 World Cup qualifier against Italy, but Israel suffered a 3-1 loss to Giampiero Ventura’s troops in their opener.
Highlighted Team (Lugano):
Lugano are a professional football club from Switzerland which won their first domestic trophy back in 1938. Three years later Lugano lifted their second Swiss Super League title and in 1949 they won their third and last trophy in the national championship, with the team finishing the process seven points clear of second-placed Basel.
Lugano are considered one of the oldest clubs in Switzerland as they were founded back in 1908. 14 years later they were promoted to the Swiss top flight for the first time in the club’s history. Lugano are well known for their black and white jerseys and they welcome their rivals at Cornaredo Stadium. The stadium was built back in 1951 and the capacity of the venue is 6.330.
The Swiss club have yet to participate in the Champions League, but they did well to make it to the Europa League group stages in the 2017/2018 season. In the 2002/2003 season Lugano participate in the Europa League qualifiers, but they were eliminated by Ventspils in the process.