Sofascore Prediction
Based on analysis from multiple sports prediction platforms, Maccabi Tel Aviv is favored to win this match. The consensus points towards an away victory, likely with both teams scoring.
Here is a detailed breakdown of the prediction and key factors:
| Aspect | Prediction & Key Info |
|---|---|
| Most Likely Outcome | Maccabi Tel Aviv Win |
| Popular Scoreline | 1-2 to Maccabi Tel Aviv |
| Both Teams to Score | Yes – This is a common prediction given both teams’ recent form. |
| Match Context | Israeli Premier League, Matchday 21. Kiryat Shmona is 12th, Maccabi Tel Aviv is 4th. |
Key Factors for the Prediction
Several statistical trends support the predicted outcome:
- Season Performance: Maccabi Tel Aviv has been significantly stronger this season, averaging 1.8 points per game compared to Kiryat Shmona’s 0.95. Their attack is more potent, averaging 1.95 goals per league game.
- Defensive Contrast: Kiryat Shmona has one of the league’s leakiest defenses, conceding 1.75 goals per game. In contrast, Maccabi Tel Aviv has the best away defense in the league, conceding only 1 goal per game on average away from home.
- Recent Form & Head-to-Head: Kiryat Shmona has lost 3 of their last 5 league games. Historically, Maccabi Tel Aviv has dominated this fixture, unbeaten in their last 3 away league games against Kiryat Shmona.
- Injury Impact: Maccabi Tel Aviv will be without several key players, including defender Mohamed Camara, midfielder Kristijan Belic, and attacker Ion Nicolaescu. This could affect their defensive solidity and attacking options.
Additional Betting Insights
For those interested in more specific markets, analysts have also suggested:
- Maccabi Tel Aviv to win the first half.
- Under 9.5 total corners in the match.
- Over 2.5 total goals scored in the game.
Odds Comparison
Maccabi Tel Aviv F.C. is the clear betting favorite for their match against Hapoel Ironi Kiryat Shmona F.C. on February 2, 2026. Average match odds currently place Maccabi Tel Aviv at roughly 1.60 – 1.68, indicating a high probability of an away victory, while Hapoel Kiryat Shmona’s odds range from 4.20 to 4.70.
Match Betting Odds Comparison
The following table compares the current market odds for the Match Result (1X2) market:
| Bookmaker | Home (Kiryat Shmona) | Draw | Away (Maccabi Tel Aviv) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Market | 4.45 | 4.00 | 1.65 |
| SportyTrader | 4.50 | 4.00 | 1.66 |
| Flashscore (High) | 4.70 | 4.25 | 1.60 |
| Flashscore (Low) | 4.40 | 4.05 | 1.65 |
| YesPlay | 4.10 | 3.50 | 1.52 |
Data sourced from SportyTrader, Flashscore, and YesPlay.
Key Betting Insights
- Match Totals: The “Over 2.5 Goals” market is favored with odds around 1.50, while “Under 2.5 Goals” is priced higher at 2.26.
- Handicap: Maccabi Tel Aviv carries an Asian Handicap of -1.0 at odds of approximately 1.95, suggesting a projected victory by more than one goal.
- Head-to-Head Context: In their previous meeting this season on October 27, 2025, Maccabi Tel Aviv defeated Kiryat Shmona 3–1. Currently, Maccabi Tel Aviv sits significantly higher in the league standings (3rd or 4th) compared to Kiryat Shmona (11th or 12th).
Injuries Report
For the Israeli Premier League match on February 2, 2026, Maccabi Tel Aviv enters the contest with several notable absences, including long-term injury victim Ion Nicolaescu, while Hapoel Ironi Kiryat Shmona reports a fully available squad.
Maccabi Tel Aviv F.C. Injury Report
Maccabi Tel Aviv is missing its key striker and has several regular starters listed as inactive or questionable for today’s match.
| Player | Status | Injury/Reason | Expected Return |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ion Nicolaescu | Out | ACL Tear (Knee) | Long-term |
| Sagi Jehezkel | Inactive | Facial Injury | TBD |
| Kristijan Belic | Inactive | Not specified | TBD |
| Mady Camara | Inactive | Not specified | TBD |
| Emir Sahiti | Inactive | Not specified | TBD |
| Doron Gropper | Questionable | Inactive | Game-time decision |
Hapoel Ironi Kiryat Shmona F.C. Team News
- Availability: The home side currently has no unavailable players reported for this fixture.
- Suspension Risk: Several key defensive players are one yellow card away from suspension, including Shay Ben David, Nemanja Ljubisavljevic, and Aviv Avraham, all of whom have accumulated four yellow cards this season.Â
Expected Lineups
Based on current team news, the predicted starters for today’s 18:00 UTC kickoff are:
- Hapoel Ironi Kiryat Shmona: Daniel Tenenbaum (GK); Ofir Benbenishti, Shay Ben David, Nemanja Ljubisavljevic, Ovadia Darwish; Ariel Sheratzky, Yaw Ackah; Adrián Ugarriza, Yair Mordechai, Mohammed Abu Rumi, Bilal Shahin.
- Maccabi Tel Aviv: Ofek Melika (GK); Roy Revivo, Noam Ben Harush, Heitor, Raz Shlomo, Itay Ben Hamo; Dor Peretz, Kervin Andrade, Ben Lederman, Issouf Sissokho; Elad Madmon.Â