Southampton and Hapoel Be’er Sheva clash in a winner-takes-all encounter in the Europa League at St Mary’s this evening.

Both sides have seven points from their five Europa League group matches thus far, and both know that victory on the South Coast will secure them a last 32 berth.

Claude Puel’s Saints go into tonight’s match off the back of a 3-0 defeat at struggling Crystal Palace, but they have picked up some impressive results in Europe this season, beating the likes of Inter Milan and group winners Sparta Prague.

The Saints are unbeaten at home in the competition thus far, with six of their seven points coming at St Mary’s, while the other came when they faced Hapoel in Israel back in September.

The Israeli champions have beaten Inter both home and away in the competition, with their excellent comeback victory over the Italian giants last time out keeping them in the hunt for a place in the knockout stages.

The 0-0 draw in the game between these two a few months ago was a dour and dull affair, but the same result on Thursday would see the Saints progress because of their superior goal difference.

Nonetheless, Hapoel have some talented players in their squad, and here are THREE to keep an eye on at St Mary’s…

Ben Sahar

Photo: Matt Roberts/Offside

Ben Sahar is no stranger to English football, having spent the early part of his career playing up and down the Football League.

The 27-year-old was on the books at Chelsea from 2006, and appeared three times for the club until the summer of 2009 before moving to Spanish side Espanyol.

During his stint at Stamford Bridge, the Israeli international enjoyed loan spells at QPR, Sheffield Wednesday, and Portsmouth, but only found the net during his time at Hillsborough.

Sahar has since played for several clubs, and moved to Hapoel last year, netting nine times in 25 league games for the club, and also once in this season’s Europa League campaign in their thrilling 3-2 win over Inter Milan last month.

The forward has yet to start in the competition this season, but has proven to be quite a handful when he comes off the bench.

Anthony Nwakaeme

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mzPPHo99QBo

27-year-old Anthony Nwakaeme has led the line in four of Hapoel’s five Europa League matches this term, and was brilliant in their win over Inter last time out.

The Nigerian striker scored the equalising goal as the Israeli side came from 2-0 down to beat the European giants 3-2 in a pulsating clash, which means they still have a chance of qualification ahead of today’s game in Southampton.

Nwakaeme has been in fine form in the league this year as well, netting seven times in 11 appearances for the Israeli Premier League leaders, who have won ten of their 12 league games thus far.

He’ll certainly be a threat to the Saints backline this evening.

Lucio Maranhao

Brazilian forward Lucio Maranhao has scored one and assisted one in this season’s Europa League, and could be a handful for the Saints defence this evening.

The 28-year-old, who only signed with Hapoel this summer, scored the opener in the 3-2 win over Inter Milan, and also got an assist in their 2-0 win at the San Siro back in September.

His league form has also been good, with four goals from three starts and seven substitute appearances this season to help the club to a ten-point lead at the top of the Israeli Premier League.

The forward players will need to be at their best to breach a stubborn Saints defence in what is a winner-takes-all clash at St Mary’s tonight.