A classic Tel Aviv derby with momentum and numbers pointing to goals
Bloomfield Stadium will host another charged derby on 26/01/2026 as Maccabi Tel Aviv welcome Hapoel Tel Aviv under referee David Fuxman. This fixture always carries more than three points; it bristles with history, crowd pressure and the kind of tactical chess that can make bettors sweat. On paper Maccabi arrive as favourites — bookmakers give them a 54.95% chance to win — but the underlying data paints a picture of two sides that both like to get forward and create chances, making this an intriguing clash rather than a straightforward home banker.
Maccabi’s season numbers underline their attacking intent. With 305 total shots and 105 on target, they dominate the shot-count metrics and average over 100 attacks per match. At home they’ve scored 18 times, conceded 13, and carry an aggressive corners and chance-creation profile into this game. Their recent results are mixed: two defeats in their last ten and a Europa League exit to SC Freiburg on 22 January could introduce fatigue or a sharper focus on domestic duties, depending on how the coach responds.
Hapoel arrive in better recent form and with a spring in their step after a 2-1 win over Hapoel Be'er Sheva. Their campaign shows a similar offensive bent — 35 goals in 19 matches — and away numbers that point to matches where both sides find the net: their away BTTS rate sits at 60%. Across both teams the over 2.5 trend is notable; each side carries an over-2.5 percentage of 63.16, and head-to-head in the State Cup on 14 January finished in a 1-1 draw, underlining that neither side will shy away from direct confrontation.
Tactical edge and match tempo
Expect a lively tempo. Maccabi’s higher dangerous-attacks average (65.05 vs Hapoel’s 44.21) suggests they will probe and press on the wings, while Hapoel’s recent string of wins shows confidence on the counter and in set-piece situations. Both teams have kept six clean sheets this season, but the mix of attacking metrics and recent form suggests this derby could tilt toward an open game rather than a cagey, low-scoring affair.
For bettors who want to deepen their strategy on goal markets, it’s worth reading about the nuances and timing of such plays — see the right time to place bets on goal markets — and pairing that insight with solid bankroll management concepts like the tools that can help with analysis to refine stake sizes ahead of kick-off.
Betting suggestion After weighing form, shot metrics and BTTS tendencies, the best market here is the goal market: back Over 2.5 goals. The strong attacking numbers from both sides, high over-2.5 percentages, and recent meetings make a multi-goal game the most likely outcome.
