Ashdod vs Hapoel Rishon LeZion - Liga Leumit

When Ashdod and Hapoel Rishon LeZion clash at the home ground on September 17, 2026, the stakes extend well beyond a single result — this is a Liga Leumit fixture that carries real weight for both clubs. Manchester United play in Gothenburg on Saturday as they take on Paris-Saint Germain in their fourth pre-season fixture.

Ashdod head into the contest positioned 4th in the Liga Leumit standings, while Hapoel Rishon LeZion arrive sitting 2nd. The hosts have hit a rich vein of form, WWWWL over their last five outings translating into a 80% win rate this campaign. Hapoel Rishon LeZion are brimming with belief on the road, their WDWWW run reflecting a season win rate of 80%. The contrast in attacking output — 2.2 versus 2 goals per game — adds an extra layer of intrigue. That result ended the European giants' 14-game unbeaten run in the competition, as Fede Valverde, Eduardo Camavinga and Jude Bellingham were contained by an "incredible" performance from a player barely anyone outside of France had heard of.

How the two sides approach the contest strategically will be key. Ashdod will want to control proceedings in front of their own supporters, while Hapoel Rishon LeZion will back themselves to cause problems on the break. Hipolito/Europa Press via Getty Images) According to Fabrizio Romano, Man United 'are not proceeding' with a move for the Brighton midfielder.

Individual moments of quality could tip the balance. Both sides possess players capable of producing something out of nothing, and a single flash of brilliance may be all that separates them. The wide areas will be a key battleground, with full-backs and wingers on either side capable of swinging the contest one way or the other. The club will have to look elsewhere for a new midfielder.

The fixture has the feel of a coin-flip, and picking a winner with any conviction would require a braver pundit than most. Hapoel Rishon LeZion look well-equipped to take the points on the road, with a 2-3 victory well within their reach. With the standings tight and form on the line, this is a fixture neither side will want to lose. It is understood that his next move is most likely to take him abroad - and potentially to the Premier League.