Sheriff Tiraspol vs Maccabi Tel Aviv
PREDICTION / ANALYSIS / ODDS

Sheriff Tiraspol host Maccabi Tel Aviv in the UEFA Europa League 2nd Qualifying Round at Sheriff Arena, Tiraspol on Thursday, 23 July 2026. This is a pivotal European tie where both teams are competing for a place in the next round. The visitors come with tournament experience, while the Moldovan hosts will look to exploit home advantage in this knockout-style fixture.

Sheriff Tiraspol enter on excellent domestic form, winning 3 of their last 5 matches with 8 goals scored and only 4 conceded. Recent victories include a 3-2 win over Petrocub and a 4-2 triumph against Zimbru, demonstrating attacking potency. Maccabi Tel Aviv show mixed form: 2 wins, 1 draw, and 2 losses in their last five games, with 9 goals scored but also 9 conceded, indicating defensive vulnerability. The Israeli side's recent loss to IMT Novi Beograd raises concerns about consistency at this stage.

The bookmaker market prices Sheriff Tiraspol at 3.25 for a home win, while Maccabi Tel Aviv are favoured slightly at 2.05. The draw sits at 3.25, suggesting genuine uncertainty. Double chance X2 (away win or draw) is priced at 1.29, reflecting market confidence that Maccabi Tel Aviv will avoid defeat. BTTS Yes trades at 1.95, and Over 2.5 goals is at 2.23, indicating expectation of an open match.

Key bet: Double chance X2 (Maccabi Tel Aviv or draw) emerges as the logical backing. The away side's European pedigree, combined with Sheriff's less consistent European record, makes draw protection the smart angle here. While the hosts show strong domestic form, neutralizing Maccabi's threat at home presents a different challenge than their league opponents.