Hapoel Katamon vs Maccabi Tel Aviv - Ligat Ha'al

All eyes turn to the home ground on August 23, 2026 as Hapoel Katamon welcome Maccabi Tel Aviv in a Ligat Ha'al encounter that promises tension, intrigue and no shortage of subplot. Chelsea take on Serie A giants Juventus in Hong Kong this morning in the latest fixture on their pre-season tour of Asia.

There is plenty riding on this Ligat Ha'al encounter for Hapoel Katamon and Maccabi Tel Aviv alike, and neither will want to leave the home ground empty-handed. Hapoel Katamon have held their own of late, WD in their last five reflecting a steady win rate of 40%. Maccabi Tel Aviv are brimming with belief on the road, their WWLWW run reflecting a season win rate of 100%. One side has leaned on a miserly defence, the other on a free-scoring attack, and the meeting of those contrasting strengths promises an intriguing tactical subtext. Phil Foden was handed a free role in the No 10 position behind striker Muamba, who scored in consecutive pre-season games.

Set-piece efficiency could prove the difference on the night. Both Hapoel Katamon and Maccabi Tel Aviv have invested time in dead-ball situations this season, and a single corner or free-kick may settle it. And there are still question marks even in attack, where they have an abundance of supporting forwards including Mbeumo, Cunha and Amad Diallo, but only one out-and-out striker in Sesko.

All eyes will be on the league's leading marksman Dor Peretz, whose 4 goals this season make him the standout threat and a player capable of deciding the outcome on his own. The battle in midfield, where both sides look to control tempo, could prove the decisive arena. Jadon Sancho(Image: Richard Heathcote/Getty Images) Chelsea have confirmed the signing of former Manchester United striker Danny Welbeck from Brighton.

Predictions are tricky when the sides are this evenly matched, and small margins — a moment of quality, a slice of luck — could decide it either way. With the sides so closely matched, a 4-4 stalemate looks the most likely way this one ends. The result at the home ground could resonate well beyond matchday in the Ligat Ha'al picture. The club are understood to favour a profile closer to Aurelien Tchouameni or a Premier League‑proven alternative rather than Manu Kone.