On Thursday evening, Villarreal will look to maintain their recent good form, as the Yellow Submarine travels to Israel to face Maccabi Tel Aviv in Group I of the Europa League.
The home team have endured what can only be described as an inconsistent start to their campaign. Giorgios Donis’ team has picked up just nine points from their opening six games in their domestic league, although they do head into this clash on the back of two straight league wins.
#UEL | Last training session before we head to Israel!👉 Thursday 26th, 6:55pm CET, @MaccabiTLVFC 🆚 #Villarreal (Bloomfield Stadium). pic.twitter.com/LTrn2SATms— Villarreal CF English (@Eng_Villarreal) November 25, 2020
#UEL | Last training session before we head to Israel!👉 Thursday 26th, 6:55pm CET, @MaccabiTLVFC 🆚 #Villarreal (Bloomfield Stadium). pic.twitter.com/LTrn2SATms
Despite their recent inconsistent record in the Ligat ha'Al, Maccabi Tel Aviv have a respectable record of two wins from their three games in Group 1. A 4-0 defeat in the reverse fixture ended a two-game winning run for the Israeli team in the Europa League.
Their recent record in the competition has been inconsistent of late, as they have won three and lost four of their last seven games in European football’s secondary competition.
Villarreal are enjoying a promising start to life under former Arsenal head coach Unai Emery. The Yellow Submarine are currently third place in La Liga, just four points behind early league leaders Real Sociedad.
A 1-1 draw in their last outing against reigning Spanish champions Real Madrid means that Emery’s team are unbeaten in their previous ten games in all competitions.
The Spanish side has also fared well in the Europa League this season, winning all three of their games in Group I so far, including that aforementioned win in the reverse fixture.
One of the biggest factors in Villarreal’s good Europa League campaign has been their potency in front of goal, as the visitors have scored at least two goals in all three of their group games.
Forebet predicts that Villarreal’s recent good run will continue in this one, with the Yellow Submarine recording a victory in a low-scoring, tight affair.