Match overview and context
This Liga Leumit clash at Bloomfield Stadium on 16 February pits struggling Maccabi Kabilio Jaffa against an in-form Bnei Yehuda. On paper the gap is clear: Jaffa sit 16th with 22 points from 22 matches and a fragile balance of six wins, four draws and twelve defeats, while Bnei Yehuda occupy ninth with 29 points, compiling eight wins, five draws and nine losses. The recent trends underline a momentum swing; Maccabi Kabilio Jaffa have been inconsistent in the closing weeks, alternating draws and defeats with occasional wins, whereas Bnei Yehuda arrive with a sequence of victories and very few slip-ups. That contrast sets the stage for a tough afternoon for the hosts.
Form, stats and what they tell us
Numbers back the narrative. Bnei Yehuda generate more volume in attack — higher totals for shots, shots on target and attacking actions — and they boast seven clean sheets compared with Jaffa’s five. Jaffa have been involved in more high-scoring encounters overall (their over 2.5 rate is north of 60%), but they have also leaked goals regularly, with 40 conceded across the campaign. Both sides show a 50% rate for both teams to score across their home and away splits, so there’s a reasonable chance this fixture produces goals from both ends. Crucially, head-to-head history in the season so far saw Bnei Yehuda prevail 1-0 in October, adding a psychological edge for the visitors.
This is also a tactical moment: Jaffa must find consistency at home if they’re to climb out of trouble, while Bnei Yehuda can afford to be compact and hit with numbers up front given their attacking output and form. The venue in Petah Tikva offers a sizable capacity, but recent performances suggest form will trump atmosphere on this occasion.
Prediction and betting insight
Given the evidence — superior recent form, better attacking metrics, defensive solidity in patches and a season head-to-head win — the safest lean is toward an away victory for Bnei Yehuda in the 1X2 market. For those weighing alternatives, the shared 50% BTTS rate and Jaffa’s higher over-2.5 profile mean there’s value in markets that combine an away win with both teams to score in the same ticket for a firmer payout.
For readers wanting to sharpen their market selection process, consult resources like Soccer betting tips and the choice of markets and remember the importance of discipline: How to have emotional control when placing bets?
Betting suggestion: 1X2 — Back Bnei Yehuda to win. Confidence: medium. Consider pairing with BTTS for enhanced value if odds allow.
