Maccabi Haifa vs Olympiacos: Predictions, tips & betting odds

Israeli champions Maccabi Haifa welcome their Greek counterparts Olympiacos to the Sammy Ofer stadium on Wednesday evening for the first leg of the Champions League second qualifying round tie.

The hosts have only ever made it through the group stages of Europe's premier club competition on two occasions, the most recent of which came in 2009.

The Greeks meanwhile have more continental experience and have been in the group stages of the Champions League in eight of the last 11 years.

Maccabi Haifa vs Olympiacos latest odds

Despite a sell-out crowd of 23,000 in Israel's third-largest city, the hosts remain marginal outsiders, with bet365 offering a victory for Maccabi at 9/5 (2.80).

The visitors for their part can be backed at 29/20 (2.45) to record a first-leg victory ahead of next week's decider in Pireaus, while the draw can be backed at 2/1 (3.00).

Maccabi Haifa vs Olympiacos first goal scorer

First goal scorer markets are not available for this game.

Maccabi Haifa vs Olympiacos preview

The hosts have already played one competitive game so far, losing on penalties to Hapoel Beer Sheva at the weekend in the Israeil Super Cup.

It will have been a useful run out ahead of this vitally important clash, against an Olympiacos side who have contested eight friendly matches in order to prepare for this European showdown.

Neither side is likely to be at their best given the early nature of this fixture, and there could be some interest in opposing a high-scoring game.

Both teams will surely look to keep things tight and make sure they are still in the tie come next week's second leg, and this should make for a cagey contest with few goals.

Maccabi Haifa vs Olympiacos tips and predictions

Under 2.5 goals is priced at 13/20 (1.65) while combining this selection with both teams to score 'no' sees the odds rise to a more appealing 11/10 (2.10).

There could also be some interest in opposing goals in the first half with under 0.5 goals in the opening 45 minutes looking like an attractive option at 6/4 (2.50).

Odds correct at the time of writing. Please gamble responsibly.

Under 2.5 goals and both teams to score 'no' at 11/10 (2.10) for a 1pt stake with bet365