Hapoel Beer-Sheva and Sabah FK are both targeting the lucrative main phase of the Champions League. The Turner Stadium is the setting for this first leg play-off.

Ahmed impressing as Hapoel Beer-Sheva target European history

After winning last season’s Israeli Premier League, Hapoel Beer-Sheva have shown they can compete on the European stage. Victories over Víkingur Reykjavík and Crvena Zvezda leave them in a strong position to reach the Champions League group or league stage for the first time.

They were impressive 2-0 winners in Serbia last week, and Ran Kozuch is not expected to make any major alterations to that lineup. However, Matan Baltaxa is available again following suspension and will return at left-back.

An injury to Pedro Amador will help make way for Baltaxa, while Djibril Diop and João Victor are still sidelined. Zahi Ahmed has played a key role in this campaign so far, with two goals in four appearances. He will continue out wide, with Igor Zlatanović up front.

Hapoel Beer-Sheva predicted lineup vs Sabah FK (4-3-3): Marciano; Mizrahi, Vítor, Rotman, Baltaxa; Yehoshua, Ventura, Peretz; East, Zlatanović, Ahmed.

Simić the danger man for Sabah FK

Even if they lose this tie and drop into the Europa League, Sabah FK will get to experience the main stage of a European competition for the first time. They’ve made excellent progress in the Champions League, seeing off The New Saints, KuPS and Aarhus.

After a fine 4-0 home victory over the Danish club last week, there is no reason for Valdas Dambrauskas to make changes here. He has no fresh fitness concerns or suspensions heading into the trip to Israel.

Veljko Simić has been the key man with five goals in six Champions League outings so far. He’ll also look to create opportunities for striker Orphé Mbina in this clash.

Sabah FK predicted lineup vs Hapoel Beer-Sheva (4-2-3-1): Pokatilov; Zedadka, Solvet, Dashdamirov, Puchacz; Rakhmonaliev, Lepinjica; Simić, Isaev, Mickels; Mbina.

Hapoel Beer-Sheva vs Sabah FK Prediction

  • Safe Tip: Under 3 goals
  • Odds: 1.38 (22Bet)
  • Correct score prediction: Hapoel Beer-Sheva 1-0 Sabah FK
  • 22Bet Booking Code: N7Y46

Key stats:

  • Seven of Hapoel Beer-Sheva’s last eight European games have produced two or fewer goals.
  • The Israeli club’s 2026/27 Champions League fixtures have averaged 2.0 goals per 90 minutes.
  • Sabah have only conceded three times in six UCL outings this season.

As the away team, Sabah FK are expected to set up defensively. They’ve kept clean sheets in four of their six Champions League engagements this term. That will make it difficult for Hapoel Beer-Sheva to find space in the final third.

European matches involving the hosts have averaged just 1.13 goals per game since the start of last season. Five of their eight continental fixtures during that period ended with 0-0 or 1-0 scorelines, and backing Under 3 goals is a safe pick here.

Hapoel Beer-Sheva vs Sabah FK Prediction, Value Tip

  • Value Tip: Hapoel Beer-Sheva to win
  • Odds: 2.365 (22Bet)
  • 22Bet Booking Code: YZAK6

Hapoel Beer-Sheva to win with the 22Bet bonus of up to 122 $/€ offers value at odds of 2.365. With seven clean sheets in their last eight European home fixtures, the Camels are capable of keeping the visiting attack quiet.

The hosts have more continental experience than their opponents, while they can also take confidence from a 67% win rate in their domestic league last term.

Verdict: Under 3 goals (1.38) — Hapoel Beer-Sheva 1-0 Sabah FK