Preview: A Tel Aviv tussle with table implications
The Shkhunat Hatikva Stadium in Tel Aviv will host an intriguing Liga Leumit clash on 02/02/2026 as Hapoel Kfar Shalem welcome Kiryat Yam SC in Round 21. On paper this reads like a classic mid-table scalp for the visitors: Kiryat Yam sit higher in the standings in 3rd with 34 points, while Hapoel Kfar Shalem occupy 5th with 29. There is real momentum behind the away side and a defensive record that suggests they travel with purpose.
Form, stats and the story they tell
Recent form underlines Kiryat Yam’s steady rise. They have picked up a string of solid results — multiple wins and clean sheets pepper their latest run — and their away defensive numbers are particularly convincing: only 8 goals conceded on the road this season and nine clean sheets overall. Kiryat Yam also average more shots and dangerous attacks than their hosts, suggesting they will control transitions and create the clearer opportunities.
Hapoel Kfar Shalem, meanwhile, are unpredictable at home. Their recent results show a mix of draws and narrow wins, and they’ve conceded as many goals as they’ve scored across the season (32 each). Home form isn’t poor, but it lacks the clinical edge: just three clean sheets at home and slightly fewer shots per game than Kiryat Yam. Their matches trend toward entertainment too — a high over-2.5 percentage on Hapoel’s fixtures indicates there’s often goal action when they play.
The head-to-head from earlier in the season gives the visitors a psychological edge; Kiryat Yam won 2-0 in the first meeting. That result, combined with the away team’s superior defensive discipline and their ability to press without conceding too much, points toward an away side capable of managing the game and collecting points.
Tactical outlook and match shape
Expect Kiryat Yam to approach this match with cautious ambition: steady defensive structure, quick outlets and efficient use of chances. Hapoel Kfar Shalem will likely try to leverage their attacking intent and home familiarity to force openings, but their tendency to allow goals at home could be exploited by an away side that converts possession and shots into real threats.
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Betting suggestion Kiryat Yam SC to win (1X2). The away side’s superior form, better defensive record away from home, and the psychological advantage from the earlier 2-0 victory make them the clearest value in the 1X2 market for this fixture. Consider a measured stake and manage risk according to your bankroll.
