Hapoel Acre vs Hapoel Afula - Liga Leumit

The Liga Leumit returns to the home ground on September 24, 2026, where Hapoel Acre and Hapoel Afula will lock horns in a contest that could shape their respective campaigns. Josh Allen had an impressive first game at the Buffalo Bills’ new stadium in their second NFL fixture of the season.

There is little to choose between Hapoel Acre and Hapoel Afula on paper, and the Liga Leumit encounter should reflect that balance. Hapoel Acre are mired in a difficult campaign, L over their last five and a paltry win rate of 0% painting a bleak picture. Hapoel Afula travel in decent nick, D in their last five and a win rate of 50% this season. Where Hapoel Acre have built their campaign on solidity, Hapoel Afula have often chased flair, and that fundamental difference should make for compelling viewing. Central midfield remains a position Leeds are keen to add in despite so far failing to reach an agreement with Southampton for Shea Charles.

Tactically, the contest promises a fascinating contrast. Hapoel Acre will look to impose their style on home soil, while Hapoel Afula are likely to have ideas of their own about how to gain the upper hand. Rico Lewis played at right-back, but when City were in possession he tucked infield and supported the midfield pairing of Mateo Kovacic and Reijnders.

Star players on both sides will be eager to make their mark, and the individual duels across the pitch could go a long way to deciding the outcome. Discipline at the back and sharpness in front of goal will likely tilt the balance one way or the other. It is claimed that Old Trafford bosses were told that the Shakhtar ace holds the 'potential to develop into a top-level centre-forward.' It was also said that Elias would slot into United's system well.

The fixture has the feel of a coin-flip, and picking a winner with any conviction would require a braver pundit than most. A share of the spoils looks the most probable outcome, with neither side holding a decisive edge — a 2-2 draw feels like a fitting result. Whatever the outcome, the Liga Leumit fixture promises a meaningful contest with real implications for both clubs. The team currently most likely to win the 2026 WNBA Finals according to Opta.