Sliema Wanderers are expecting a tough time today in Israel where they will be meeting Maccabi Netanya in their second leg of their second qualifying round tie. The first leg in Malta last week ended in a goalless draw.

Blues coach Stephen Azzopardi has all the players at his disposal for this clash, but is also aware that Netanya are favourites.

Azzopardi also knows, however, that anything can happened in football, and he was encouraged by his side’s convincing performance in the first leg where they also had to play the final 30 minutes without Josef Mifsud, who was shown a red card. The defender will obviously be missing today’s match as he is suspended.

The accent will probably be on defence and ball possession to try and limit the damage in the hope of avoiding a goal in the first half which would give the side much needed confidence.

The winner of the tie will earn a lucrative assignment in the next round – most probably Galatasaray of Turkey who are favourites to advance against Tobol of Kazakhstan after a 1-1 draw away last week.

The Blues can expect a hostile reception by the Netanya fans who are considered to be among the most passionate supporters in Israeli football.