Maccabi Tel Aviv Prepares for Europa League Return Match Against Sheriff Tiraspol

Maccabi Tel Aviv is set to face Sheriff Tiraspol in the second leg of the Europa League second qualifying round on Thursday in Batumi, Georgia. The Israeli club holds a commanding 5-0 lead from the first leg and aims to secure advancement to the third round. Despite the comfortable advantage, coach Kenny Miller warned his players against complacency, emphasizing the need to approach the match with respect and maintain their performance level.

Lelio Varela is expected to make his first start of the season following an impressive World Cup with Cape Verde, potentially replacing Itamar Noy in the lineup. Meanwhile, Tyrese Asante did not travel with the team, likely due to an impending transfer. Around 800 Maccabi fans are expected to support the team in Batumi.

If Maccabi Tel Aviv advances, they will face the winner of the tie between Qarabag and CSKA Sofia in the third qualifying round. The probable starting lineup for Maccabi includes Ofek Malika in goal, defenders Itay Ben Hamo, Mohamed Kamara, Raz Shlomo, and Sagiv Yehezkel, midfielders Roi Revivo, Issouf Sisoko, Ido Shahar, and Dor Peretz, with Lelio Varela and Said Abu Farhi up front.