Despite recent results in the Premier League over the weekend and given the outcome of their last European fixture, Aston Villa can view this game against Maccabi Tel-Aviv as a welcome opportunity to secure a significant victory in front of the Aston Villa faithful.
The Villains have been excellent at home this season, having won four of their last six in all competitions at Villa Park, with notable wins against Manchester City (1-0) and Bologna (1-0) in their only home European game to date this campaign. Unai Emery's side have made a solid start to their Europa League campaign, with the aforementioned win over Bologna and an impressive victory against Feyenoord (0-2).
As for Maccabi Tel-Aviv, the Yellows are yet to record a single win in this competition this season, having gained a point against Greek side PAOK (0-0) and two straight defeats against Dinamo Zagreb (1-3) & FC Midtjylland (0-3). The two defeats in Europe have highlighted the gulf in quality between the Israeli side and the other competitors in the Europa League. Maccabi Tel-Aviv have won their last two league fixtures; however, those wins ended a run of five games in all competitions without a win.
With the absence of the away supporters because of political reasons, it's sure to be a long night for Maccabi Tel-Aviv against an Aston Villa side who have been resolute at home this season. Goals are to be expected, with Villa scoring two or more goals in two of their last four home games.
Aston Villa 3-0 Maccabi Tel-Aviv
