Maccabi Netanya FC v Istanbul Basaksehir Betting Tips [28 July 2022]
Football - Conference League
28 July 2022 12:45
The match
The return leg of the UEFA Europa Conference League second qualifying round sees Turkish side Basaksehir travel to Israel to take on Maccabi Netanya. It was unquestionably a missed opportunity for Basaksehir after only managing a 1-1 draw at home in the first leg despite controlling much of the match. The 2019/20 Super Lig champions finished the match with 58% possession, 10 corner kicks and seven shots with five on target compared to just two shots with one on target for the visitors. The Grey Owls head to the Diamond Stadium now knowing they need a result if they are to advance to the third qualifying round. Basaksehir, still a few weeks away from the start of the new Super Lig campaign, finished last year with a 7-6-6 away record in the league, scoring 26 goals while conceding 21.
The visitors rightly come into this match as favorites given the stature of the club compared to their Israeli opponents today. However, this could be a tricky fixture for them as Maccabi Netanya is on an extended unbeaten run at home dating back to last season. The Diamonds have gone 13 matches on home soil without defeat after 90 minutes with their last loss coming on November 30th, 2021. Netanya’s defense was much improved on home soil in the last campaign, conceding only 13 goals and keeping nine clean sheets in 18 matches. Their suffocating defense has led to the side being involved in a number of low scoring matches, with only 33% of their home outings resulting in over 2.5 goals scored.
Key Statistics
- Only seven of Maccabi Netanya’s 18 home matches resulted with both teams finding the back of the net.
- 10 of Basaksehir’s 19 away matches last season resulted in under 2.5 goals scored.
- Four of Basaksehir’s last five matches have stayed under 2.5 goals while three of Netanya’s last five have seen the same.
The bet of our experts
We’re going to back under 2.5 goals as our pick for this match. After the 1-1 home draw in the first, we are likely going to be in for a tight, tense encounter. Maccabi Netanya were an extremely effective defensive side at home last season and will likely lean on that strength when they host a superior Basaksehir team. Look for the hosts to try to shut down their Turkish opponents while trying to nick a goal on a set piece or a counter attack. This is a match that could very likely finish 1-1 again and might have to be settled in extra time or penalties.
