Maribor were unlucky to lose the first game 2:1, after outplaying their opponents in Israel, but the Slovenians will have another chance to secure passage into the final qualifying round, this time in front of their own fans. Maccabi, on the other hand, will have to show a massive improvement if they are to make it to the next stage.

NK Maribor in great form

NK Maribor easily won the Slovenian league title last term, finishing the campaign eight points clear of second-placed Domzale, thus qualifying for the Champions League qualifying rounds. The club did really well in the summer transfer window, as striker Dalibor Volas returned from Sheriff Tiraspol, while international keeper Jasmin Handanovic, very good midfielder Agim Ibraimi and Brazilian defender Arghus all arrived. Darko Milanic’s team didn’t need a lot of time to hit the ground running as they completely outplayed Domzale in the Slovenian Super Cup, even if they lost the game, before easily eliminating F91 Dudelange in the Champions League second qualifying round. Maribor proved their worth in the first leg against Maccabi, having managed to outplay their more illustrious opponents and they only conceded from non-existent penalty and a defensive mistake. However, the Slovenians now have a great chance to overturn the deficit in front of the packed Ljudski Vrt as they are brimming with confidence after winning all three league games.

Vidovic should replace suspended Arghus, while Mitja Viler is doubtful for this clash. Coach Milanic rested almost half of the squad in the league win over Rudar, meaning that his players will be fully prepared for this clash.

Maccabi in problems

Maccabi Haifa managed to win the Israeli league title in style, mostly thanks to impressive displays in the second part of the season, but the Champions League qualifiers seem to have come at a bad time for the Israelis. The club couldn’t prevent star players Refaelov, Hemed and Culma from leaving the club this summer, while new players Bojan Saranov and Jurica Buljat have yet to show they deserve to play for this club. Maccabi played way below expectations in pre-season, losing to both Rapid Bucuresti and Dinamo Bucuresti, while they also had major problems in the Champions League clashes with Borac Banja Luka. Following the poor showing in the first leg against Maribor, Maccabi lost to Ironi Kiryat in the Israeli Cup, so there are no doubts that the players are really low on confidence at the moment.

First choice keeper Bojan Saranov, defender Andrey Pilyavskiy and captain Yaniv Katan all miss out, which only adds to the problems.

Verdict

Maribor have already shown they are much better prepared at the moment than their opponents and they are expected to play even better in front of the packed Ljudski Vrt. Maccabi are clearly far from the desired form and are missing several very important players, so I really doubt they will be able to make it to the next round.

Our prediction: NK Maribor with 0:0 Asian handicap

Odds: 2.00 (1/1)

Bookmaker: Paddy Power