Beitar Jerusalem vs Maccabi Tel Aviv - Ligat Ha'al

The history between Beitar Jerusalem and Maccabi Tel Aviv lends this Ligat Ha'al fixture an extra layer of spice, and when the two walk out at the home ground on May 2, 2026, recent encounters will be on everyone's mind. Ferencvaros v Real Madrid: Confirmed line-ups for Mourinho’s latest pre-season clash.

There is plenty riding on this Ligat Ha'al encounter for Beitar Jerusalem and Maccabi Tel Aviv alike, and neither will want to leave the home ground empty-handed. Beitar Jerusalem are operating at a remarkable level, their WWLLD run and a season win rate of 60% placing them among the Ligat Ha'al's very best. The visitors have been formidable away from home, WWLWW in their last five and a win rate of 100% that puts them in elite company. Where Beitar Jerusalem have leaned on defensive discipline, Maccabi Tel Aviv have often taken the initiative going forward, and that stylistic difference should shape the contest. A young right-back is another position City are interested in adding in, while, in terms of outgoings, goalkeeper James Trafford is close to joining Leeds so will need to be replaced.

The touchline duel between the two managers adds another layer of intrigue, with both likely to tweak their setups in search of a decisive edge. But this approach also takes something that is almost anonymous in football - time.

Neither side is short on individuals capable of tilting the balance, and the duel between the two squads' chief creators could prove particularly pivotal. Set-piece specialists and aerial threats on both sides mean dead-ball situations could carry outsized importance. Carrick is the ideal man to try and help with that reintegration, having played with the forward at United and coached him when he was on the staff under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.

With the sides closely matched, the outcome may well hinge on which team takes its chances on the day. With the sides so closely matched, a 4-4 stalemate looks the most likely way this one ends. Whatever the outcome, the Ligat Ha'al fixture promises a meaningful contest with real implications for both clubs. The club are understood to favour a profile closer to Aurelien Tchouameni or a Premier League‑proven alternative rather than Manu Kone.