The stage is set for a clash that could either serve as Hapoel Haifa's redemption or further solidify Hapoel Tel Aviv's position as a contender in this season's Ligat Ha'al. January 10, 2026, will see the two clubs lock horns at Sammy Ofer Stadium, with stakes running high-Haifa clinging to their mid-table hopes and Tel Aviv eyeing a stronger hold on the top five.
In one corner, we have Hapoel Haifa, languishing in 10th place with only 18 points after 17 matches-a precarious perch for any team hoping to escape the dreaded relegation battle. Their recent form reads like an instruction manual on how not to play football: four losses in five outings, including a disheartening 0-5 thrashing at the hands of Maccabi Tel Aviv in the State Cup. They barely managed to muster a shot against Bnei Sakhnin, indicating that their forward line has been flatter than yesterday's soda.
Conversely, Hapoel Tel Aviv stands strong in fifth place with 28 points and seems to be firing on more cylinders. The Reds boast a recent victory over Ashdod thanks to Loizos Loizou's late-game heroics-a sign of resilience that has been absent from Haifa's game plan. Though they stumbled slightly with a loss against Beitar Jerusalem just days prior, their record shows they've pulled together wins when it matters most.
Predicted Lineups
Both teams have shown some tactical variation recently, but expect them to lean toward their strengths this time around:
- Hapoel Haifa: GK: Benjamin Machini, DEF: Saná Gomes/Bruno Ramires/George Diba/Dor Malul, MID: Roy Nawi/Naor Sabag/Ofek Biton/Yonatan Ferber, FWD: Javon East.
- Hapoel Tel Aviv: GK: Assaf Tsur, DEF: Chico/Fernand Mayembo/Tal Archel, MID: Andrian Kraev/Roee Alkokin/Falcão/Roy Korine, FWD: Loizos Loizou.
Now let's slice through the stats like a hot knife through butter. If there was ever an indication that Haifa needs urgent improvement, consider this: they've scored a paltry two goals across their last five league matches while conceding ten. That stark contrast shines light on not just a defensive frailty but an alarming failure to convert possession into meaningful attacks-76% ball possession yielded zero goals against Maccabi Haifa last week. It's almost impressive how consistently they can find new ways to disappoint!
On the other hand, Tel Aviv showcases a more well-rounded approach. While they've also faltered at times (see: two defeats in their last five), they still manage an average of nearly two goals per match during that stretch. Their defensive efforts are bolstered by players like Chico and Mayembo-combined with an organized midfield-they'll look to neutralize whatever attacks Haifa can muster.
Here's where it gets interesting: both teams reflect distinct strengths and weaknesses in attack and defense. Haifa averages about seven shots per game yet struggles mightily with accuracy-last week's performance against Maccabi saw only three shots hitting the target; that's more akin to shooting practice than competitive football! For context, Hapoel Tel Aviv registered three goals against Ashdod recently with just under eight shots on target across several matches.
Discipline is another factor; Hapoel Haifa seems ready to earn cards at will (eleven yellows over their last five), showing signs of frustration as things spiral out of control. Conversely, while Tel Aviv does engage physically-as seen with their average of about twenty fouls per match-they exhibit better game management overall.
One cannot overlook standout performances among players who could sway the outcome of this crucial matchup. For Hapoel Haifa, Naor Sabag is among those looking to turn it around; his passing percentage has been relatively stable-even if his contributions haven't translated into goals yet this season. Meanwhile for Hapoel Tel Aviv, keep your eyes peeled for Roy Korine-who has netted once in recent games and poses a persistent threat from various positions up front.
As both sides prepare for battle under the lights at Sammy Ofer Stadium-expect nothing less than fireworks along with desperate attempts for supremacy reflected in statistics and standings alike.
In wrapping up what I predict will unfold on match day-the contrasting trajectories point towards one inevitable conclusion: Hapoel Tel Aviv will take all three points here despite any valiant effort from Hapoel Haifa trying desperately to get off life support this season. The latter may prove lucky enough to snatch one or perhaps even see some relief-but I'd bet my best coffee mug against it! It would take divine intervention or perhaps an epic goalkeeping display for them even sniff victory here.
So mark your calendars; buckle up your seatbelts; and enjoy what should be a highly charged contest between two rivals who couldn't be coming into this match from further apart-the question isn't whether one side wins-it's just how decisively they'll do so!