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Hapoel Beer Sheva and Olympiakos will square off in the Champions League 3rd qualifying round, second leg, after the two sides drew 0-0 last week in Greece.
Beer Sheva’s title run last season in Israel was question by many, as they didn`t really seem to be better than Maccabi Tel Aviv – but Maccabi’s run in the Champions League affected their domestic campaign and Beer Sheva took advantage, winning the title by the edge of their teeth. The hosts were close to blowing their European journey right from the off, as they barely defeated Sheriff in the previous round, after Hapoel had 3 penalties and Sheriff had a sent off in the 25h minute in the first leg! Even so Hapoel only won that 3-2 and held on for dear life to finish 0-0 in Moldova, where they didn`t get a single shot on target.
Olympiakos surely wanted more than a 0-0 draw at home in the first leg and probably deserved to win that, but it wasn`t a dominant performance. Both teams had chances and in the end Oly can`t complain about bad luck for failing to win. It was visible that it was the first match of the season for the Greeks, as the domestic league is still some way off from starting. They were rusty both offensively and defensively.
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Team news: The most important news ahead of this clash is that Beer Sheva will get back key defensive midfielder Hoban, who was suspended for the first leg.
The 0-0 draw in Greece was definitely a great result for Beer Sheva, but when it comes to qualification chances, 0-0 away is never the greatest score. The hosts will be under big pressure not to allow a goal and I think that will prove to be their downfall. Olympiakos has so much more European experience at this level and knows much better how to deal with pressure situations like this one, in do or die games.
That`s not to say it will be an easy game for Oly. The Greeks are still a long way away from their optimal level and the performance in the first leg was not great. They could be better with one match under their belt, but they still need more to start clicking. Israel is not an easy place to play and the hosts are a decent side. Beer Sheva’s place at this stage of the competition could be put under question and they are not the greatest team, reason for which I really doubt they can win, but they are are no mugs either.
I think it will be a close game, with Olympiakos’ experience proving vital. I think a draw is the most likely result, but I will also take insurance in case Olympiakos gets the win. All in all my tip is a draw on the Olympiakos win no bet market. Odds seem really good to me for a bet in which the risk is minimal. Prediction: Hapoel Beer Sheva – Olympiakos 1-1.
Pick: Draw – Olympiakos win no bet
Odds: 1.67 @ Bwin
Stake: 9
Possible profit: 6.03
Event date: 3 August
