Predictions
Maccabi Tel Aviv vs CSKA Sofia: Prediction, Team News & Lineups | 6 August 2026
Maccabi Tel Aviv vs CSKA Sofia: Prediction, Team News & Lineups | 6 August 2026
Maccabi Tel Aviv vs CSKA Sofia prediction: Maccabi arrive with three straight competitive victories and a more convincing European second-round performance, while CSKA needed penalties to progress. The Israeli side should hold a narrow advantage in neutral Batumi.
Match Details
| Fixture | Maccabi Tel Aviv vs CSKA Sofia |
| Competition | UEFA Europa League Third Qualifying Round |
| Date | Thursday, 6 August 2026 |
| Venue | Adjarabet Arena, Batumi |
| Prediction | Maccabi Tel Aviv 2-1 CSKA Sofia |
Match Preview
Maccabi Tel Aviv and CSKA Sofia meet in neutral Batumi on Thursday for the first leg of their UEFA Europa League third qualifying-round tie.
The clubs reached this stage by very different routes.
Maccabi completed a commanding 6-0 aggregate victory over Sheriff Tiraspol, while CSKA required extra time and penalties to eliminate Qarabag after two tightly contested matches.
The winner of the tie will advance to face OFI Crete in the play-off round.
Maccabi Tel Aviv Team Analysis
Maccabi enter the contest with three consecutive competitive victories.
Before eliminating Sheriff, the State Cup holders defeated Hapoel Be’er Sheva 3-1 in the Israeli Super Cup.
Kenny Miller has therefore already collected two trophies since taking charge in May.
Maccabi are experienced European campaigners and have competed on the continent in each of the past three seasons.
They reached the Conference League round of 16 in 2024 before suffering league-phase eliminations in both the Champions League and Europa League.
CSKA Sofia Team Analysis
CSKA began their European campaign in the first qualifying round and beat Derry City 5-3 on aggregate.
They then needed penalties to overcome Qarabag after goalless and tightly balanced encounters.
Hristo Yanev’s side qualified for the Europa League by winning the Bulgarian Cup, also via a penalty shootout.
Domestically, CSKA have taken seven points from their opening three Parva Liga matches.
A late goal from Facundo Rodriguez secured a 2-1 victory over Dunav Ruse at the weekend.
Neutral-Venue Factor
The first leg will take place at Adjarabet Arena in Batumi because Maccabi cannot currently host UEFA fixtures on home soil.
That removes some of the traditional home advantage, but Maccabi should still benefit from familiarity after playing recent European fixtures in Georgia.
CSKA may therefore view the tie as more balanced than a conventional away match.
European Context
Maccabi are trying to draw on several years of continental experience and reach another league phase.
CSKA, meanwhile, are two rounds away from returning to the main stage of a major European competition.
The first leg should be competitive, but Maccabi’s cleaner route through the previous round gives them greater momentum.
Tactical Battle
Maccabi are expected to use a front three featuring Varela, Peretz and Farchi.
Noy, Sissokho and Shahar should provide the midfield platform and look to press CSKA’s build-up.
CSKA may defend with a five-man back line and use Ebong, Jordao and Sensi to control the centre.
Godoy and Pittas should lead the attack, with the visitors likely to look for direct transitions and set-piece opportunities.
Team News
- Maccabi Tel Aviv: Ion Nicolaescu remains sidelined with an anterior cruciate ligament injury.
- Maccabi Tel Aviv: Abu Farchi is expected to start in attack.
- Maccabi Tel Aviv: Dor Peretz should continue as captain and an advanced attacking option.
- Maccabi Tel Aviv: Farchi has scored four goals in three competitive matches this season.
- CSKA Sofia: Bruno Jordao is expected to control central midfield.
- CSKA Sofia: Joel Zwarts, Leandro Godoy and Ioannis Pittas are competing for attacking roles.
- CSKA Sofia: Pittas scored three times against Derry City in the first qualifying round.
- CSKA Sofia: James Eto’o, Stefano Sensi and Jean-Philippe Gbamin are all in contention to start.
Predicted Lineups
Maccabi Tel Aviv predicted lineup (4-3-3): Melika; Yehezkel, Shlomo, Camara, Revivo; Noy, Sissokho, Shahar; Varela, Peretz, Farchi.
CSKA Sofia predicted lineup (5-3-2): Lapoukhov; Pastor, Ivanov, Gbamin, Rodriguez, Martino; Ebong, Jordao, Sensi; Godoy, Pittas.
Betting Tips
- Full-time result: Maccabi Tel Aviv win.
- Both teams to score: Yes.
- Over/Under 2.5 goals: Over 2.5 goals.
- Double chance: Maccabi Tel Aviv or draw.
- Correct score: Maccabi Tel Aviv 2-1 CSKA Sofia.
Score Prediction
Goal.mu predicts: Maccabi Tel Aviv 2-1 CSKA Sofia.
CSKA have shown resilience and experience in tight knockout ties, but Maccabi’s stronger recent form and sharper attacking output should give them a narrow first-leg victory.
Hot Stat
Maccabi Tel Aviv have scored 10 goals across their first three competitive matches of the season.
Final Analysis
CSKA’s structure and experience should keep the match close, especially at a neutral venue.
However, Maccabi have looked more fluent and decisive in Europe so far. Their attacking form supports a narrow win before the return leg.
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