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Hapoel invincible at home, but Southampton haven't conceded in the last four games

Israeli champions recorded a big win in Milan against Inter, and in five home games this season they have maximum efficiency, but Southampton reached fine form and it is currently hard to go through their defense

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Israeli champions, Hapoel Beer Sheva, rather unluckily lost a spot in the Champions League, but they caused an upset in the first round of the Europa League by defeating Inter 2-0 in Milan. 

With that win, Hapoel announced their candidacy for the top two spots, and we will see how much they really can achieve in this group in today's game against Southampton. It is a big challenge for coach Bakhar's team, and since the away team have left some important first team players at home, the Israeli club could have an easier task, but talking about that is tricky. 

- We did a great job in Milan, but we have much more work ahead of us. We will try to prove against Southampton that this was no coincidence - said Hapoel's coach, Barak Bakhtar, and his team has 100% efficiency in the five games at their new stadium, and we should point out the Champions League wins over Sheriff, Olympiacos and Celtic. 

 - Our fans should mean a lot to us today and their support gives us additional strength. We are playing against an English team, who are in great form and it is clear that we have to play a game without any big mistakes in order to achieve positive results - said home team's coach, Bakhar. He is not having any problems with the absences, and he announced a more closed up 3-5-2 formation with a sweeper in defense. 

Southampton are a great example that only one win can change everything in football. Before their game against Sparta in Europa League, they had not recorded a win in the Premiership, and then they defeated Sparta 3-0 and recorded three more back-to-back wins, without conceding. 

Claude Puela's team was impressive on Sunday and demolished West Ham 3-0, and they came to Israel full of confidence. They are not complete, but there are a lot of players who want to prove themselves through these games, and their motivation is at a maximum. 

- The schedule is tight and strenuous, and it is clear that we have to rotate the team. At home I left players for whom I believe are the most fatigued, and who have minor health issues - said Southampton's coach, Claude Puel, and for this game he does not count on Jose Fonte, Ryan Bertrand, Steven Davis, Charlie Austin, Jay Rodriguez and Sofiane Boufal. 

- Everyone who traveled to Israel have a good energy and desire to play a good game and continue out winning run. It will not be easy because Hapoel are in fine form as well, but we believe we will at least take a point here - said Claude Puel, and the strength of his defense and four back-to-back games without conceding are definitely encouraging.