Preview: Maccabi Haifa ready to flex cup muscle at Sammy Ofer
Maccabi Haifa return to the Sammy Ofer Stadium on February 3 for a State Cup quarter-final that looks tilted heavily in the hosts’ favor on paper. The Greens have been enjoying a rich vein of form across competitions, packing seven wins, one draw and two defeats in their last ten. Their most recent outing was a 3-2 victory over Ironi Tiberias in the Ligat ha’Al on January 31 — a high-energy performance that showcased attacking intent and a best-on-field display from Kenny Saief, whose 8.53 match rating underlined his influence.
Home comforts and attacking firepower are real advantages for Haifa. Recent scorelines — including a 4-1 collapse of Maccabi Tel Aviv and earlier 4-1 reverse against Maccabi Netanya — suggest a side capable of both scoring and conceding in open matches. The quarter-final stage at a packed Sammy Ofer (capacity 30,942) should give Maccabi Haifa an extra edge against lower-league opposition.
Kafr Qasim arrive as underdogs but with resilience to spare
Kafr Qasim step into this tie after a narrow 2-1 defeat at home to Hapoel Afula on January 30. Competing in Liga Leumit, their recent results have been mixed: a string of close scorelines including a 0-0 draw with Maccabi Petah Tikva and a solid 1-0 home win over Hapoel Kfar Saba. Their form line reads as inconsistent but not capitulative — wins interspersed with draws and a few defeats. Statistically, their recent matches show modest attacking returns and a tendency toward tighter games, including two clean sheets in the away team’s season metrics.
There is a clear gulf in level and momentum: Haifa’s higher league status and recent scoring bursts contrast with Kafr Qasim’s steadier, lower-scoring profile. Expect Kafr Qasim to defend deep and probe on transitions, while Haifa will likely press and force openings. This cup tie presents an opportunity for the underdog to frustrate, but the defining context is Haifa’s recent attacking rhythm and home advantage.
Tactical expectation and match flow
Anticipate Maccabi Haifa to control territory and create the lion’s share of chances. Kafr Qasim’s approach should be pragmatic: compact defensive lines, attempting to disrupt Haifa’s rhythm and seek moments on the break. Given Haifa’s recent high-scoring fixtures and Kafr Qasim’s mixed defensive record, the match may open up if the underdogs are forced out of their shell by the crowd and the hosts’ pressure.
As you refine your betting approach, consult broader betting strategy pieces such as Soccer betting tips and the choice of markets for market selection and remember the psychological side with guidance like How to have emotional control when placing bets? — both useful when committing stakes in cup ties.
Betting suggestion: 1X2 market — back Maccabi Haifa to win. The hosts’ superior form, home setting at Sammy Ofer, and recent attacking outputs make a straight home victory the most probable outcome. Stake sensibly, considering cup unpredictability and Kafr Qasim’s capacity to frustrate on the day.
