Our prediction for this Europa Conference League match:
Maccabi Tel Aviv play host to HJK at their Bloomfield Stadium in what is expected to be an interesting Conference League game. The Israelis rolled over Helsinki 5-0 in Finland two weeks ago, and it is no wonder the bookies see them as hot favourites to win Thursday’s clash. Stipe Perica is widely expected to lead the line for the hosts despite failing to find the net in a 3-1 loss to Kiryat Shmona at the weekend.
HJK, on the other hand, did well to win the domestic trophy at the weekend, with the team sharing the spoils with second-place KuPS in the last game of the season. Even though the visitors are high on spirits ahead of the trip to Israel, we are tempted to put our money on Maccabi Tel Aviv, who impressed in the last group game.
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.