Maccabi Herzliya vs Kiryat Yam SC Prediction at 16-01-2026

Team Form Analysis

Maccabi Herzliya enters this match with a strong performance record, boasting a recent form of:

• Win against Hapoel Rishon LeZion: 2-1
• Loss to Hapoel Katamon: 1-3
• Win against Hapoel Ironi Kiryat Shmona: 2-0
• Draw with Maccabi Petah Tikva: 1-1
• Win against Hapoel Nof HaGalil: 3-2

With 10 points from five matches, they have shown a resilient ability to bounce back from setbacks, especially their most recent victory that could serve as a confidence booster.

Key players for Herzliya include their standout striker, Marko Kovač, who has hit form recently with critical goals and assists. His partnership with playmaker David Levi will be pivotal in creating offensive chances. Defensively, they rely on captain and central defender Jonathan Cohen, whose organisational skills and aerial prowess have anchored the backline.

Kiryat Yam SC, meanwhile, sits just a few points above Herzliya in the standings and has shown fluctuating form:

• Win against Hapoel Ashkelon: 1-0
• Loss to Hapoel Ramat Gan: 0-2
• Win against Maccabi Ahi Nazareth: 3-1
• Draw with Sektzia Nes Tziona: 0-0
• Draw with Hapoel Baqa al-Gharbiyye: 1-1

Kiryat Yam's versatility has been evident, but they will need to convert draws into wins to maintain their position. Their leading scorer, Amir Ben Shimon, has been a game-changer on numerous occasions but faces strong opposition from Herzliya’s well-drilled defense. The experience of veteran midfielder Ilan Ben Ezra may be key in controlling the midfield battles.

Statistics and Head-to-Head Records

When examining head-to-head results, their last five encounters have resulted in:

The even split in results reflects the competitive nature of their past meetings. In terms of season performance, Maccabi Herzliya has scored a total of 15 goals and conceded 10, while Kiryat Yam has managed 13 goals but conceded 8. This slight advantage in defensive stability suggests that Herzliya might have the upper hand as they prepare to leverage home advantage.

Contextual Factors and Match Conditions

As we sum up the venue dynamics, Maccabi Herzliya will play at the esteemed Israel Football Association Stadium, where home fans are known for their passionate support. With the match scheduled for a clear, albeit chilly night, players from both teams may need to adapt their style, particularly Kiryat Yam, who is accustomed to warmer conditions.

Crucially, both teams are battling for playoff spots and have key players nursing injuries, particularly Kiryat Yam’s midfielder, Asher Levy, who is unlikely to recover in time. This absence could majorly impact Kiryat Yam’s midfield stability and creativity.

Prediction and Betting Insights

Considering all factors, the match is poised to be a closely fought encounter. Maccabi Herzliya's home advantage, the recent form of both squads, and Kiryat Yam’s injury woes lead us to predict a narrow victory for Maccabi Herzliya.

Final Score Prediction: Maccabi Herzliya 2 - 1 Kiryat Yam SC

From a betting perspective, backing Maccabi Herzliya to win with a margin of 1-2 goals seems a prudent option, given their current form and supportive home crowd. The odds for a tighter contest may reflect their need for crucial points in this vital league stage.