Maccabi Tel Aviv Plans Stable Lineup and Sets High Prices for Key Players Ahead of Sheriff Tiraspol Clash

Maccabi Tel Aviv is preparing to face Sheriff Tiraspol in the second leg of the UEFA Europa League second qualifying round on Thursday at 19:00 in Batumi, Georgia. After a commanding 5-0 victory in Moldova last week, the Israeli club is expected to maintain a calm approach and possibly field the same starting eleven that played in the previous matches, including the recent Champion of Champions Cup game. Coach Kenny Miller has a full and fit squad except for Christian Blitz, and the consistent lineup includes defenders Itay Ben Hamo, Ali Mohamed Kamara, Raz Shlomo, and Roy Revivo; midfielders Issouf Sissoko and Itamar Noy; and forwards Gabi Yachzakal, Ido Shahar, Dor Peretz, and Said Abu Freih.

Maccabi Tel Aviv is also taking a firm stance on player transfers, setting strict price tags for its valuable players amid significant interest from other clubs. The club has a history of selling players for substantial sums, such as Oscar Gloukh, Dor Turgeman, Daniel Peretz, Wesley Fofana, and Felicio Milson, and intends to maintain this approach with current squad members like Helio Varela, Tyrese Asante, Issouf Sissoko, and Roy Revivo. Meanwhile, Kevin Andrade is expected to be loaned to a foreign club to gain experience and return stronger next season, as his market value has dipped following last season.

Approximately one thousand fans are expected to travel with Maccabi Tel Aviv to support the team in Batumi, which has become their European home stadium for the summer. If Maccabi advances, they will face the winner between Azerbaijan's Qarabag and Bulgaria's CSKA Sofia in the third qualifying round.