CSKA Sofia vs Maccabi Tel Aviv — Tips & Analysis

Over 2.25: Maccabi have to come out and attack, and that is the whole case here. They are 3-0 down from the first game, so sitting in is no use to them at all. Maccabi score more than 2 goals a game and their games are busy, with 14 of their last 18 producing 3 or more. On the road they have been better still, scoring almost 3 a game across 9 away trips. They have also had 7 days off to CSKA's 4, so the legs should be there for a fast start. CSKA are the reason to be careful. Their games average just over 2 goals in total, and only 6 of their last 14 had 3 or more. They have also played out three 0-0 ties in their last eight. They let in less than a goal a game and are happy to sit off and counter. Our honest read is a 1-1, and that is not enough for this leg. It needs a third goal, and a chasing side with nothing to lose is the likeliest way to get one. The risk is plain. If CSKA keep it tidy and Maccabi's urgency stays scrappy, this drifts to a quiet 1-0 or 1-1. We are still on the side of goals, because one team has to force the game.