Hapoel Tel Aviv vs Hapoel Beer Sheva Match Preview - Jan 19, 2026

The stage is set for a colossal showdown in the heart of Israeli football as Hapoel Tel Aviv welcomes the high-flying Hapoel Beer Sheva to Bloomfield Stadium on January 19, 2026. With championship aspirations hanging by a thread, this match isn't just another fixture; it's a battle for supremacy at the top of the Ligat Ha'al table! Hapoel Beer Sheva sits comfortably in first place with a staggering 42 points, while Hapoel Tel Aviv scrapes by in fifth with only 29 points. This is not just about pride-it's about seizing momentum as we move deeper into the season.

Predicted Lineups

Expect both teams to field their strongest XI, and here's how they might line up:

• Hapoel Tel Aviv: GK: Assaf Tsur, DEF: Chico/Fernand Mayembo/Tal Archel, MID: Yazen Nassar/Roee Alkokin/Falcão/Roy Korine, FWD: Loizos Loizou/Anas Mahamid.
• Hapoel Beer Sheva: GK: Niv Eliasi, DEF: Hélder Lopes/Or Blorian/Djibril Diop/Guy Mizrahi, MID: Kings Kangwa/Lucas Ventura/Eliel Peretz, FWD: Igor Zlatanović/Dan Biton/Amir Chaim Ganah.

Current Form Analysis

Let's dive deep into recent performances. Hapoel Tel Aviv has stumbled lately-two draws and a loss in their last five matches show inconsistency that could spell disaster against formidable opponents like Hapoel Beer Sheva. A meager goal differential and lackluster finishing have plagued them: they recently drew 3-3 against Hapoel Haifa despite dominating possession (59%). Even their hard-fought draw against Maccabi Tel Aviv was marked by a failure to convert chances when it mattered.

Conversely, Hapoel Beer Sheva is riding high with three consecutive victories leading up to this clash-including an eye-popping 5-0 dismantling of Bnei Sakhnin that showcased their attacking prowess. They've balanced possession effectively with a solid defensive unit that conceded just one goal across those five games. This team is clicking on all cylinders, evident from their commanding performances both in league play and cup action.

Statistical Insights

Now let's peel back the layers further through numbers! Here are some key trends shaping this critical matchup:

1. Ball Possession & Passing Efficiency:

• While Hapoel Tel Aviv often controls possession (averaging around 55% recently), they struggle to turn that control into decisive advantages-a statistic underscored by their relatively low total shots and shots on target ratio. The goal-scoring machine appears rusted.
• In contrast, Hapoel Beer Sheva's passing accuracy has been stellar at an average of 85%. This efficiency allows them to break through opposing defenses more easily, highlighted by their remarkable performance in shot creation.

1. Shooting Power:

• A staggering distinction can be observed here: despite matching or even exceeding opponents' total shots (like during the last match against Beitar Jerusalem), Hapoel Tel Aviv has found themselves on the wrong side of result multiple times due to poor conversion rates.
• Meanwhile, Hapoel Beer Sheva boasts a jaw-dropping tally of goals scored per shot taken-illustrating an uncanny ability to finish. Their frontline spearheaded by Igor Zlatanović and Dan Biton brings deadly intent every time they venture forward.

1. Discipline Issues:

• Look no further than fouls committed-Hapoel Tel Aviv is averaging double-digit fouls per game! Their aggressive style leads to unnecessary cards and pressures which could prove detrimental against organized sides such as Beer Sheva who thrive under less duress.

1. Head-to-Head Battle Statistics:

• Historically speaking, head-to-head encounters have leaned favorably towards Hapoel Beer Sheva with two wins out of three clashes this season alone! They triumphed most recently back in October with a decisive 2-1 win; only one goal coming from the opportunistic efforts of Stav Torial for Tel Aviv.

Key Players To Watch

As we analyze key players impacting this match-up:

• For Hapoel Tel Aviv, keep your eyes peeled on Roy Korine-a player who consistently creates chaos for defenders but needs support from his teammates if they're going to break down Beer Sheva's defense effectively.
• On the flip side stands Igor Zlatanović whose presence upfront cannot be understated! With explosive pace paired alongside Dan Biton's creative flair contributing immensely within tight spaces-it spells trouble for any defense facing them!

The Big Takeaway

As we approach kickoff at Bloomfield Stadium-and without sugar-coating anything-this match shapes up as one where experience meets urgency! If history holds any weight alongside current forms exhibited leading into this bout then expect an electrifying encounter poised heavily in favor of Hapoel Beer Sheva.

So here's my undeniable conclusion: I predict a dominant display from Hapoel Beer Sheva resulting in an emphatic victory-final scoreline forecasted at a stunning 3-1 in favor of the visitors! Watch closely as they extend their grip atop the league while sending shockwaves through an underperforming Hapoel Tel Aviv squad struggling desperately for consistency amidst swirling turbulence!