Hapoel Haifa vs Hapoel Hadera
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Today’s free tip is in the Israeli Ligat Ha’al encounter between Hapoel Haifa and Hapoel Hadera.
Hapoel Haifa do not play polished football, just like most Israeli teams. I mean, with the open nature of both their wins against Hapoel Kfar Saba and MS Ashdod, it could be argued that they didn’t deserve to win either; that a draw would have been fairer. Truth be told though, most teams at Ligat Ha’al level create chances regularly enough; it’s all about the quality of the finishing, and there’s really very little quality on that front, I’m afraid. I’ve lost count of how many games I’ve watched in Israel this season that should have ended 5-5 but have ended 1-0. Hapoel Haifa’s win at MS Ashdod was similar enough to that. Indeed, the goal that eventually won it was simply a punt from Barsky, who was outside the box at the time. One of the forwards (not knowing if he was onside or not – and was fortunately just about onside) lazily stuck a hoof out to ‘deflect’ the shot in – and hilariously missed the ball. Luckily for Hapoel Haifa, Barsky’s original effort was on target, and found the net.
What I will say is this, though. Hapoel Haifa are better equipped to win those type of matches than most at this level. Yes, they’ll give enough opportunities away to mess up most games, but whilst they’ve got Maman, Barsky, and Zamir performing as well as they are in midfield – and they really are! – they’re going to take more chances than most teams. Their forwards leave me a little cold at the moment, either not doing enough (e.g. Ben Basat) or not being intelligent enough, on or off the ball. That midfield is excellent though, and it should be enough to decide today’s match against Hapoel Hadera in their favour.
Hapoel Hadera have not lost in five straight Ligat Ha’al games now, and I doubt anyone is more confused by that record than they are. They’ve fought well, to be fair to them. I have to admit that I didn’t know what to expect from them this season due to the polarising displays they’ve produced from season to season, ranging from the epic football they played after initially being promoted to the Ligat Ha’al to the miserly football they played after losing their players (Tapoko etc.). This season, they look gutsy, determined, and clinical. I like that.
The key to their success in front of goal this season has been Nigerian forward Marshall, who looks a seriously good find. He’s fast, a good dribbler, and as good in the air as he is on the floor. He gets into all of the right positions, makes the right runs, and has a good level of awareness. For this level, I really like him – and there’s no way he’ll still be at this club next season. With him and Gustavo in the team, Hapoel Hadera have been able to surprise teams rather well this season. Much like Hapoel Haifa, they’re not defending well enough to be trusted, but they do have their old “Crazy Gang” feel back, and that makes me not want to oppose them particularly often.
Indeed, I was going to back Hapoel Haifa to beat them tonight but I just can’t bring myself to do it. Hapoel Haifa are a good team to back to win games at the moment but at the same time, if you saw the manner of their victories, you would not be so keen, particularly not against a team that will score from counterattacks – like Hapoel Hadera! Furthermore, goalkeeper Buric is still injured, and defensive regular Maloul joins him on the sidelines today. On top of that, The visitors have found a new champion to call upon, just like their hosts, and neither team are going to fear the other. I concur that Hapoel Haifa should be favourites, and I still think they’ll edge this one. However, I would argue that the setup of this game suits Hapoel Hadera more than it suits their opponents so I’m going to skip the 1×2 market tonight.
Instead, I’m going to back both teams to score at 9/10 because both have managed that well of late – and long may it continue!
Both teams to score at 9/10.
Saturday’s Thoughts
As ever, if there are any explanations required then please feel free to post a comment! For the remainder of my thoughts on today’s games, see below, although I feel compelled to write that the below are not necessarily my tips but merely my thoughts. For confidence ratings, you’ll need to go to the members section here.
Belgian Eerste Klasse:
Club Brugge vs AS Eupen
Zulte-Waregem vs Cercle Brugge
Kortrijk vs AA Gent
OH Leuven vs KV Oostende
Standard de Liege vs Sint-Truiden
Brazilian Serie A:
Atletico Mineiro vs Coritiba
Fortaleza vs Flamengo
Goias vs Sport Recife
Fluminense vs Sao Paulo
English Premier League:
Leicester City vs Manchester United
Aston Villa vs Crystal Palace
Fulham vs Southampton
Arsenal vs Chelsea
Manchester City vs Newcastle United
Sheffield United vs Everton
Israeli Ligat Ha’al:
Hapoel Haifa vs Hapoel Hadera
Maccabi Netanya vs Maccabi Haifa
Turkish Super Lig:
Goztepe vs Faith Karagumruk
Trabzonspor vs Galatasaray
Enjoy your free betting tips!