TFT Issue 3348!

The only game that stands out for me tonight is the Tel-Aviv derby between Hapoel and Bnei Yehuda. Hapoel may have made some improvements in 2021 but I still rate them as a very poor outfit. By contrast, Bnei Yehuda have made some changes that I really like, and I am confident that they’ll be back to their competitive best in the coming months.

Firstly, don’t be fooled into thinking that there’s any such thing as a ‘home’ or ‘away’ team here; they both share the same stadium. Bnei Yehuda have won their last two meetings in all competitions, and they both came during a pretty grim period for Bnei Yehuda. I think it’s fair to say that neither team is in an optimal place right now but I wouldn’t be seduced by the league table; Bnei Yehuda have got a lot more right than their ‘hosts’ tonight.

Secondly, don’t forget that Abukasis is back in charge of the club. He’s had even longer to prepare for this game after their encounter with Ironi Kiryat Shmona was postponed, not that there’s really all that much left unknown about this bland, predictable Hapoel side. Abukasis is a very streetwise manager that not only knows how to get the best out of his players, but how to win ugly. Bnei Yehuda were marvellous when he was last in charge; I expect more of the same after his return to the club from Hapoel Be’er Sheva.

Thirdly, they’ve just made two very good signings, Bnei Yehuda, bringing in left-back Nahmias from Hapoel Hadera, and Montenegrin target man Beciraj, who has dominated the Ligat Ha’al with Maccabi Netanya before now so he already knows what Israeli football is all about. Sometimes he’s a good goal-scorer but his main role is to be a target man, which he’s very good at. He’ll afford Bnei Yehuda a good route to goal, which they’ve really needed this season. With Ljujic’s technique and Beciraj’s positioning/strength, I anticipate Bnei Yehuda scoring a lot more going forward.

In short, the ‘away’ team are in a good place right now. They do need to get a win under their belts so they can prove how farcical the concept of their relegation truly is, and entering this derby as underdogs should be a great opportunity for them to do so. There’s no pressure on Bnei Yehuda, they’ve got an excellent manager, and they’re in decent nick ahead of this match. What’s not to like? I sure as hell don’t think that they should be dunderdogs, and that’s despite their disappointing early season form, all of which I’ve explained before.

Hapoel may have gone unbeaten for a few games now but the same soulless nature still exists at this den of corruption. A crooked team ran by crooked Klinger; does it get any worse than that? I can’t think of a way, at least not when it comes to the Ligat Ha’al. I can’t fault a team for picking up points, soulless or not, but all that’s changed about this team now is that they’re back to finding the net every now and then. Looking at who they’ve faced though, is it any wonder? Sure, I thought Beitar Jerusalem would beat them but Beitar Jerusalem are capable of imploding against any Israeli team, should they see fit to do so.

From their past five games, Hapoel have bagged seven goals, which is a marked improvement – until analysed. Three of those goals have come from Altman penalties, and one was a very fortunate goal at the end of the game against Hapoel Hadera. In essence, I don’t believe that this team has improved much at all; only their luck has. I won’t deny that they’ve got more quality now that Lidor Cohen is in midfield and Azulai is in attack, and that may further improve should Damari and/or Buzaglo ever reclaim their place in the side. It’s still not a great team though; they’re massively over-reliant on Altman. 

For my money, even when confident – like now – Hapoel Tel-Aviv are far too pedestrian in possession, often going sideways too often, or simply lashing the ball downfield and hoping someone gets on the end of it. They’ve been lucky enough to come up against teams lately that were generous enough to gift them good opportunities. Bnei Yehuda pre-Abukasis would do the same, but now he’s back, I don’t see them being anywhere near as charitable. True enough, it’ll take time for Abukasis to get everybody back on the same page but I think he’s good enough to improve his team enough to get something from tonight’s game against their grossly overrated ‘hosts’.

Additionally, let’s not overlook that Hapoel are without fast outball merchant Zikri in attack, as well as half of their defence for this one. Whether my tip comes in or not, there’s no way Bnei Yehuda should be underdogs to win this one; yet again the bookies are massively over-reliant on the Ligat Ha’al table to guide them rather than understanding the whys. I hope to capitalise on that, and at very good odds too.