by Contributing Author
It has been a memorable season for soccer fans across the world, with the sport that is followed by millions worldwide successfully bouncing back from the pandemic. Major soccer competitions like the English Premier League, Champions League and World Cup aren’t just on the mend; they have come out swinging. The race for the title in England will go down to the wire, while the FIFA World Cup set to be played in Qatar later this year is being promoted as the most competitive we have ever seen. Followers of the sport are delighted to see so many competitions, teams and players working so hard to make up for lost time.
The EPL may be decided on the final day of the season with just one point separating leaders Manchester City from main challengers Liverpool in second. But there’s another campaign that is equally as tight and deserves as much coverage as the top division from the United Kingdom. That is the Israel Premier League.
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After 26 games played, a strong case could be made for any one of the three main challengers finishing with the trophy. Followers have been making their predictions and supporting their favourite teams everywhere, from the high street betting offices in London to online betting in California. But what exactly is going on with the Israel Premier League, which team is likely to finish in pole position, and how can you follow what will be an exciting climax to the season?
This article reveals all. We have assigned the help of a soccer expert with in-depth knowledge of the sport in Israel. By the end of this page, you will know how the table is looking at present, the three teams involved in the title race and which side has the backing of pundits and other industry insiders. There’s a lot to get through, so let’s get started.
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What’s the story?
The Israeli Premier League has always been a competitive tournament, but because it doesn’t get the same kind of coverage afforded to the top divisions in Europe, like the Premier League, La Liga, Serie A, Bundesliga, and Ligue 1, it often flies under the radar. That’s a shame as the qualify of soccer in Israel, and the supporter numbers at the top matches show it deserves more respect than it receives at present.
We have had three different teams win the Israeli Premier League over the last four seasons, with the champions being Maccabi Haifa, Maccabi Tel Aviv, and Hapoel Beer Sheva. Haifa won the title last season when finishing ahead of Tel Aviv and Ashdod. That was Haifa’s 13th league championship, and they are in the running to claim a 14th this season and successfully defend their title.
They sit on top of the league at present but have plenty of company behind, with second place Beer Sheva and Tel Aviv in third, breathing down their necks. If Haifa are to defend their title, they will be made to work hard for it, driven to the line by those two challenges that are waiting in the wings, ready to pounce on any mistakes from the pacesetters. There are a few more twists and turns to come in this season, so if you are late to the party and only showing an interest in the Israeli Premier League now, you come in at the right time.
Haifa stand above their rivals
Just how close is the league? After 26 completed rounds, Maccabi Haifa are in first place with their stats showing 18 wins and five draws against three defeats, scoring 62 goals and conceding 19. They are the highest scorers in the league, but Haifa don’t have the best defense. That award goes to Beer Sheva and their 17 goals conceded, which is remarkable after 26 games.
Haifa have 59 points on the board, which is the total that sets the bar at present, but Beer Sheva are just four points behind, with Tel Aviv six points off the pace. You can keep tabs on the competition with several major TV stations and legal live-streaming apps providing coverage of the game. If you haven’t already enjoyed a live match from Israel, you are in for a treat.
