- The odds are a toss-up for this UEFA Conference League Qualification 2026 clash between Maccabi Tel-Aviv and FC Lugano at 2.57.
- Both sides have had similar form recently, with Lugano 4-1-0 across their last 5 in all competitions and Maccabi 3-2-0.
Lugano to repeat at Batumi Stadium, Georgia
Both sides look well matched and the market for this UEFA Conference League Qualification 2026 encounter between Maccabi Tel-Aviv and FC Lugano is properly split, however, we are going to lean towards Lugano.
Mattia Croci-Torti has done a fine job since taking the helm at Lugano on 20 September 2021, and his well-balanced 4-2-3-1 system has the structure, pressing bite and vertical punch to do well in this format. They are 8-1-1 across their last 10 in all competitions, which includes the 2-2 draw with NSI Runavík, a 10-1 Swiss Cup victory over Vedeggio Calcio, and a 2-1 win over their opponents on Thursday.
Kenny Miller's Maccabi have been a mixed bag since he took over on 1 July 2026, his adaptable and high-performance team can play through the thirds, press and play direct. They are 5-1-4 overall in their last 10, with defeats to PFC CSKA Sofia and Lugano split by a 3-1 victory over CSKA Sofia.
There have been 20 goals scored in the 10 games Tel-Aviv have played so far, which is impressive, however, they can be liable to have the odd off game as well. With Lugano's ability to control games and suffocate opponents on the counter, combined with Maccabi's ability to play wide and create from set pieces, we think the Swiss side have the advantage in this fixture.
Sticking with the stats
Under 2.5 goals at 1.91 has a lot going for it in this game as Lugano have seen just 3.40 total goals per-game across their last 10 in all competitions, conceding just 0.90 goals on average. But with Maccabi's extra goal threat and Lugano's fresh advantage from last time out, we think 'Both teams to score - Yes' at 1.65 is the way to go.
Ido Shahar leads the line for Maccabi with 1 goal in 1 game in UEFA Conference League Qualification 2026, while Roy Revivo has added 3 assists in their last 5 matches in all competitions. However, Kevin Behrens has been a talisman for the Bianconeri, scoring 6 goals in 5 UEFA Conference League Qualification 2026 matches and he looks the top scorer selection for Thursday's game.
