Southampton will be eyeing up a second straight victory in the Europa League when they travel to Israel on Thursday night to take on Hapoel Be’er Sheva.
The Saints followed up their 3-0 victory over Sparta Prague earlier in September, with wins over Swansea, Crystal Palace and West Ham. They’re now sat ninth in the Premier League ahead of their trip to Leicester on Sunday.
Hapoel Be’er Sheva lost to Celtic in the Champions League play-offs and they shouldn’t be underestimated. They beat a resurgent Inter Milan 2-0 in their first group game and lie second in Group K.
Team News
Claude Puel has already signalled his intention to rotate his squad for Thursday’s game, with the announcement that Charlie Austin, Jose Fonte, Steven Davis and Ryan Bertrand have not travelled to Israel. Maya Yoshida, Cuco Martina and Matt Targett are tipped to replace them, whilst Shane Long could also be set for a recall.
Jay Rodriguez and Sofiane Boufal miss out with groin and knee injuries respectively.
Stats
– Hapoel have kept a clean sheet in five of their last six European games.
– Southampton have not won successive European games in the same season since beating Carrick Rangers in 1976.
– The Saints haven’t scored in their last four Europa League away games.
Score Prediction and Odds
– 1-2 (NetBet odds 33/4)
– Shane Long to score anytime (NetBet odds 2/1)
