Caution versus class: prediction for Sheriff vs Maccabi Tel Aviv — 23.07.2026
On Thursday, July 23, the main arena of the Sheriff Sports Complex in Tiraspol will host the first leg of the UEFA Europa League second qualifying round. Sheriff have already played two European matches, narrowly edging out Slovenian side Aluminij, while Maccabi Tel Aviv kick off their continental campaign fresh from winning the Israeli Super Cup.
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Sheriff: defensive reliability makes up for lack of finishing
Viktor Mikhailov’s team opened their European campaign with a pragmatic showdown against Aluminij. The home leg ended in a goalless draw, and in the return fixture, the Moldovan club clinched a 1-0 win to advance. Across 180 minutes, Sheriff didn’t concede a single goal, but only managed to score once themselves.
After returning from Slovenia, Sheriff faced a tough domestic league match against Petrocub, narrowly coming out on top 3-2. This result should boost the hosts’ confidence, though a packed schedule leaves the coaching staff with little time for recovery and preparation ahead of a higher-profile opponent.
In Europe, Sheriff have deployed a formation with three central defenders, packing the midfield and looking to launch quick transitions after turnovers. Against Maccabi, the hosts are unlikely to open up from the start. Their main objective will be to stay compact, shut down the flanks, and deny the Israelis any space between the lines.
Maccabi Tel Aviv: confident win before European opener
For Maccabi, this will be their first European match of the season. Kenny Miller’s side travel to Tiraspol riding high after a 3-1 victory over Hapoel Be’er Sheva in the Israeli Super Cup. Said Abu Fani netted a brace, Dor Peretz added another, and Sagiv Yehezkel provided all three assists.
It’s particularly noteworthy that Maccabi scored their third goal after Roy Revivo was sent off. The team didn’t sit back, continued to press forward, and showed excellent physical condition. In terms of individual skill and squad depth, the Israeli side clearly have the edge, and last season they featured in the main stage of the Europa League.
There is, however, some concern over Abu Fani’s fitness: he limped off late in the Super Cup clash. While there has been no official confirmation of a serious injury, his place in the starting lineup in Tiraspol is not guaranteed. Maccabi’s squad also includes Ion Nicolaescu, who can cover the central striker role.
Probable lineups
- Sheriff: Timbur — Rai, Fomba, Siss — Pergjoni, Kone, Moreo Klas, Forov — Luku, Asprilla, Fratya.
- Maccabi Tel Aviv: Melika — Ben Hamo, Kamara, Raz Shlomo — Yehezkel, Revivo — Sissoko, Noy, Shahar, Peretz — Abu Fani or Nicolaescu.
Stats and key facts
- Sheriff have not conceded a single goal in two Europa League qualifying matches this season.
- Just one goal was scored in 180 minutes between Sheriff and Aluminij.
- Sheriff have won their last two official matches.
- Maccabi scored three goals in the Israeli Super Cup match.
- All three assists for Maccabi against Hapoel were provided by Sagiv Yehezkel.
The first leg is set to be a cautious affair: prediction for Sheriff vs Maccabi Tel Aviv
Maccabi head into the tie as favorites, boasting a stronger squad and far more experience at this level. However, the opening leg is in Tiraspol, where Sheriff are renowned for limiting space and stifling opponents’ quick attacks.
The hosts have already shown against Aluminij that they are willing to sacrifice attacking ambition for results. Maccabi, too, have no need to force the issue: the Israelis can control possession, patiently probe for weaknesses, and keep in mind that the second leg is still to come.
The match may see the visitors dominate possession, but clear-cut chances could be at a premium. Sheriff will look to keep the tie alive heading into the return game, while Maccabi are unlikely to take unnecessary risks away from home.
Prediction: Under 2.5 goals.
