Astana vs Maccabi Tel Aviv: Preview and Predictions

With both teams sitting at a single point after opening two games, the head to head encounter in the third round might be the crucial in their Europa League destiny.

Astana have already dropped two points in front of their fans two weeks ago when they only drew 1-1 with Slavia Prague and the victory over the Israeli side is a must if they want to keep their knockout phase chances alive.

Astana

The Bulgarian manager Stanimir Stoilov is just inches away from securing the domestic title after Sunday’s home victory over the fourth-placed Irtysh.

The Blue and Yellows are now four points clear at the top of the standings with three games left to play and a game in hand on the second-placed Kairat who are the only threat to their crown at this stage.

As for the Europa League campaign, a single point in two games can’t be regarded as a special success.

Maccabi Tel Aviv

The visitors have just started their domestic campaign which sees them holding the second place after opening seven rounds in Ligat Ha’al.

Jordi Cruyff’s men notched two goals in each of their last two outings in the top flight of the Israeli football, but Vidhar Kjartansson, Omer Atzily & company are yet to score in the group phase of Europa League.
Astana vs Maccabi Tel Aviv: Head to head

Thursday’s clash at Astana Arena will be the first ever head to head encounter between the two sides.
Astana vs Maccabi Tel Aviv: Prediction

Both teams have found it tough to score in the European competition and given the third-round clash will have a massive importance for them, we just can’t see goals galore.

This makes the Under 2.5 goals FT by far the best of the betting options, while the draw appears to be the most likable of outcomes.
Astana vs Maccabi Tel Aviv: Bets

You can’t go wrong with the Under 2.5 goals FT bet at the odds of 1.72.

The second option would be the draw at 3.20.

Switzerland vs Hungary: Preview and Predictions

Switzerland will be looking to maintain the perfect record on Saturday evening when they are set to host Hungary in their last World Cup qualifier on the home soil.
The venue is St. Jakob-Park in Base and the opponent is EURO 2016 contestant Hungary.

Switzerland

Vladimir Petkovic has been doing a magnificent job with the Swiss national team in this qualifying term, but it is interesting to note that La Nati can still fail to qualify for the World Cup in Russia in spite of winning each of their previous eight matches.

The hosts are three points clear at the top of the Group B standings, but the potential defeat in the last round’s match in Portugal would send them into the playoffs.

Swiss’ main strength lies at the back as the team conceded only three goals in eight matches. Benfica’s Haris Seferovic is the main option on the other side of the court as he notched four goals for Switzerland and three for Benfica at the start of the season.

Hungary

The Magical Magyars are one of the biggest disappointments of the entire qualification term since they took only ten points in eight matches after showing decent displays at last year’s EURO in France.

The German manager Bernd Storck has had huge troubles with his team’s efficiency in the recent period as Hungary failed to find the target in five of their last six matches (including friendlies).

This involves an embarrassing 1-0 defeat to Andorra back in June.
Switzerland vs Hungary: Head to head

Switzerland leads the head to head tie by two wins ahead of their 12th meeting with Hungary.

Rossocrociati came on top in a five-goal thriller with the Hungarians in the second round back in October last year when the substitute Valentin Stocker notched the match-winner in the 89th minute of the game.
Switzerland vs Hungary: Prediction

The hosts have won six games on the bounce without conceding a single goal along the way and we can’t expect anything else but the continuation of such an impressive form against the struggling Hungarians on Saturday.
Switzerland vs Hungary: Bets

The first bet is Switzerland to win to nil at 5/6 odds

You can also take Haris Seferovic to score anytime at 11/10

Northern Ireland vs Germany: Preview and Predictions

Germany is sitting on top of the Group C standings with a 5 point cushion over Northern Ireland. And their duel on Thursday is extremely important in deciding who gains the automatic qualification spot.
However, Low’s team are in pole position to achieve this as they need just 1 point from the remaining two matches.

But for Nord Iron, they must beat Germany and win the next match away at Norway. But, also hope the lose their final group game against Azerbaijan.

Meantime, Northern Ireland had already qualified for the play-off with the third placed team cannot catch them as they are 9 points behind.

Germany are coming with a 100% win record in the qualifiers with 8 wins with a massive goal aggregate of 35-2.

On the other hand, Northern Ireland can boast of a 100% win record at home with an excellent defensive record, scored 12 and conceded none so far.
Northern Ireland vs Germany: Head-to-head

Germany are unbeaten in the last 7 meetings with Northern Ireland, with wins in the most recent six.

The reverse leg of the corresponding fixture was a 2-0 win for Low’s men.

Northern Ireland’s last win against Germany can be dated back to 1982/83 season when they bagged a double in home and away matches of the Euro 84 qualifiers.
Northern Ireland vs Germany: Predictions

It is a relatively young squad from Germany that will take the center stage in Belfast on Thursday. But, this is the same bunch of players that helped the team to lift the Confederations trophy in Russia earlier this year. Plus, the team can be considered stronger with the likes of Toni Kroos, Jerome Boateng and Mats Hummels joining the ranks.

Northern Ireland’s points in the competitions so far has come on the back of some composed defensive performances. But the team managed by Low are more than capable to find a way through.
Northern Ireland vs Germany: Bet Tips

Over 2.5 match goals for 1.70 odds