Liam Duckstein
Maccabi Tel Aviv and CSKA Sofia meet in the UEFA Europa League Third Qualifying Round on August 6, 2026, with the Israeli side holding a slight bookmakers edge at 47% win probability. What makes this fixture particularly interesting is the neutral venue factor: the match takes place in Batumi, Georgia, stripping Maccabi of any home advantage they would typically enjoy. Both clubs arrive in good form, and with European football on the line, neither will be willing to sit back.
Keep an eye on Sayd Abu Farhi for Maccabi Tel Aviv. The forward has scored four goals across his last three appearances and is clearly the man in form for Kenny Miller’s side. For CSKA Sofia, Jean-Philippe Gbamin has featured in both recent matches and his experience in midfield will be key to controlling tempo under pressure in a European knockout tie.
The hot stat from recent action: Maccabi Tel Aviv scored nine goals in their last five matches, including a stunning 5-0 win over Sheriff Tiraspol, while CSKA Sofia managed zero goals across their last five tracked matches in the detailed stats window. That goal output contrast is hard to ignore heading into this tie.
| 🏆 Tournament: | UEFA Europa League 2026/27, Third Qualifying Round |
| 🏟 Venue: | Batumi Arena, Batumi |
| 🗓️ Date: | 06.08.2026 |
| ⏰ Time: | 18:00 CEST |
Maccabi Tel Aviv vs CSKA Sofia Prediction
Maccabi Tel Aviv have been the sharper side in front of goal recently. Their 75% win rate over the last 30 days, combined with Abu Farhi’s red-hot form, makes them the logical pick to win this match. CSKA Sofia have been solid defensively in Bulgarian league play, drawing two of their last five, but they face a significant step up in quality here.
The neutral venue does level things out to a degree, but Maccabi’s attacking output and squad depth suggest they carry more firepower. We predict a Maccabi Tel Aviv win, and the over 2.5 goals line looks attractive given their recent scoring run.
Maccabi Tel Aviv average 4.6 yellow cards per five matches, while CSKA Sofia have already picked up eight yellows in their recent window. CSKA’s disciplinary record is a concern: Hristo Yanev’s side tend to foul more and commit more frequently in transition, which could open space for Maccabi’s quick forwards. Maccabi, with only four yellows in five games, play a cleaner style that suits high-pressure European football. The combination of CSKA’s foul-heavy approach and Maccabi’s directness in attack supports a busy, open game.
| 🔥Hot Tip: | Maccabi Tel Aviv to score in both halves |
| ⚽Total Goals: | Over 2.5 |
| 💥Both Teams To Score: | Yes |
| 🎯Total Corners: | Over 8.5 |
Team Analysis
Maccabi Tel Aviv have been in strong form leading into this Europa League qualifier. Their three wins from four matches in the last 30 days include a dominant 5-0 victory over Sheriff Tiraspol in the second leg and a 1-0 win in the first leg. Before that, they beat Hapoel Beer Sheva 3-1 and 2-1 in league action, with their only slip being a 0-1 loss to IMT Novi Beograd. Coach Kenny Miller has his side scoring freely and keeping clean sheets when it matters. Abu Farhi and Dor Peretz are doing the damage in front of goal, while Roy Revivo and Issouf Bemba Sissokho provide the creative link from midfield.
CSKA Sofia head into this tie with five wins from seven matches in the last 30 days, which is an impressive run. Their most recent result was a 2-1 win over Dunav Ruse, and they produced a dramatic 5-4 win over Qarabag before that. Two draws against Qarabag (0-0) and Slavia Sofia (0-0) show they can also grind out results when needed. The 3-2 win over Botev Plovdiv showed their attacking threat is real even if the detailed stats paint a quieter picture. Hristo Yanev has built a side with real European pedigree in the squad, including Gbamin and Stefano Sensi, but consistency at this level remains to be proven.
🚨Check out our dedicated Maccabi Tel Aviv vs CSKA Sofia stats page for more info.
CSKA Sofia. Source: Official Website
Pre-game Odds and Win Probability: Maccabi Tel Aviv the Favourite
- Moneyline Maccabi Tel Aviv 1.98 | CSKA Sofia 3.72
- Draw 3.28
- Over/Under Over 2.5 — | Under 2.5 —
- BTTS (both teams to score) Yes — | No —
The market has Maccabi Tel Aviv as moderate favourites, with odds clustering around 1.96 to 2.01 across most bookmakers. That range suggests the bookmakers see this as a competitive tie, which is fair given the neutral venue. To be honest, the draw price at 3.25 to 3.44 looks slightly generous given how attacking both sides have been. CSKA at 3.45 to 3.95 reflects their underdog status, but their recent form means those odds carry some value if they can stay disciplined. We lean toward the Maccabi win at approximately 1.98 as the cleanest play.
Possible Starting Lineups
Maccabi Tel Aviv Possible Starting Eleven
- GK: Ofek Melika
- DF: Raz Shlomo, Mohamed Ali Camara, Sagiv Yehezkel, Itai Ben-Hamo
- MF: Roy Revivo, Issouf Bemba Sissokho, Ido Shahar
- FW: Dor Peretz, Sayd Abu Farhi, Itamar Noy
Maccabi look set to line up in their familiar 4-3-3 shape. Ofek Melika has been the first-choice goalkeeper across the recent run and should keep his place. The back four picks itself based on minutes played, with Sagiv Yehezkel offering an attacking threat from deep given his three assists. In midfield, Revivo and Sissokho carry the most influence, and Ido Shahar completes the three. Up front, Abu Farhi is the standout name with four goals in three games. Peretz adds a second reliable scorer, and Noy gives Kenny Miller energy and pressing ability off the ball.
CSKA Sofia Possible Starting Eleven
- GK: Fedor Lapoukhov
- DF: Facundo Rodriguez, David Samuel Custódio Lima, Ángelo Martino, Andrey Yordanov
- MF: Jean-Philippe Gbamin, Stefano Sensi, Bruno Jordão, Max Ebong
- FW: Ioannis Pittas, Santiago Godoy
CSKA Sofia are expected to set up in a 4-2-3-1 system. Lapoukhov takes the goalkeeper spot based on minutes played. The back line is anchored by Rodriguez and Custódio Lima, both of whom have featured consistently. In midfield, Gbamin and Sensi form an experienced double pivot, with Jordão and Ebong pushing further forward. Pittas leads the line, supported by Godoy in a more advanced midfield role. Santiago Godoy carries two yellow cards in two matches, so he is one to watch for discipline. CSKA’s squad has the names to cause problems but will need to stay organised to contain Maccabi’s attack.
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Maccabi Tel Aviv. Source: Official Website
TipsGG Match Prediction
Maccabi Tel Aviv arrive at the Batumi Arena in the better attacking shape. Nine goals in five matches, a 75% win rate in the last 30 days, and the quality of Abu Farhi and Peretz in front of goal make them the side to back. CSKA Sofia have shown resilience and can certainly score, as the 5-4 win over Qarabag proved, but their defensive record against sharper opposition is less convincing.
We predict a Maccabi Tel Aviv win, with both teams finding the net. CSKA’s foul-heavy approach and Maccabi’s pace on the break should keep this match lively. The over 2.5 goals market is our primary recommendation, and Maccabi to score in both halves offers solid additional value based on how they have performed in recent weeks.
