Hapoel Be’er Sheva vs Southampton: Europa League Preview & Prediction

Claude Puel takes his Southampton team to Israel having already secured a vital winning start in the Europa League with a 3-0 home win over Sparta Prague that left the Saints top of Group K last time out.

Having also beaten West Ham United away by the same scoreline at the weekend, the Frenchman will be looking to continue their good form by taking something away from Be’er Sheva.

Hapoel Be’er Sheva qualified for the Champions League this season for the first time in their history.

Having progressed all the way to the play-offs, they were eventually eliminated by Celtic, and in turn, found themselves drafted in a tough Europa League group.

No one would have anticipated such a strong start to their campaign, but having come away from the San Siro a fortnight ago with all three points and a resounding 2-0 win against Inter Milan, Barak Bakhar will feel confident his side can go top of the group come Thursday evening.

Saints striker, Charlie Austin, has scored five goals in his last four games in all competitions – Photo: Simon Stacpoole / Offside.

Team News:

Hapoel Be’er Sheva are expected to have a fully fit squad on Thursday.

Meanwhile, Southampton will be without Jay Rodriguez and Sofiane Boufal until mid-October.

New signing Jeremy Pied is out for the rest of the season with an ACL knee injury.

A certain degree of rotation can be expected from Puel, particularly in the forward line.

League Positions: Hapoel Be’er Sheva – (Third – Israeli Premier League); Southampton – (Ninth – Premier League)
Last Meeting: N/A
Form: Hapoel Be’er Sheva – LDWWLW; Southampton – DLWWWW
Key Men: Hapoel Be’er Sheva – Anthony Nwakaeme; Southampton – Charlie Austin
SHOOT Says: Hapoel Be’er Sheva 2-2 Southampton