Our prediction for this Europa Conference League match:
Following a hard-fought 4-3 win over Lech Poznan, Villarreal suffered a 1-0 loss to Real Betis in their last La Liga game. The Yellow Submarine aim to return to winning ways as soon as possible, and they are likely to fight tooth and nail against Hapoel. All Danjuma, Foyth, Moreno, and Reina have been struggling with injuries of late, while all Mojica, Coquelin, and Chukwueze are pushing for a start.
The Israelis, on the other hand, played out a goalless draw with Austria Wien in their Group C opener, but they will have a much bigger fish to fry against Villarreal. Unai Emery’s men aim to get their job done in the group stages as soon as possible, and we predict that they will prove their worth on the field. There are no fresh injury worries in the home team.
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 (Villarreal):
Villarreal CF was founded on 10th of March 1923. In the year 1998 Villarreal managed to reach the Primera Division for the first time in history of the club. After 1 season the club could not manage to stay in the league and go regulated to the Segunda Division. In the last couple of years Villarreal developed itself to a stable club in the Primera Division.
This first European succes was in 2003/2004 where the club managed to reach the semi finals in the UEFA cup. In 2004/2005 Villarreal end 3rd on the table in the Primera Division which was a highlight for the club.
The biggest succes was in 2006 when Villarreal managed to reach the semi finals in the Champions League. In the semi finals the club lost with only 1 goal difference against runner up Arsenal. Former known players for Villarreal are: Riquelme, Tomasson, Fernandez, Forlan and Pires.