Tzeirei Umm al-Fahm vs Hapoel Tirat HaCarmel Prediction at 16-01-2026

Team Analysis

Tzeirei Umm al-Fahm

Tzeirei Umm al-Fahm has been commendable this season, showing resilience and determination. Currently sitting mid-table, their recent form reflects a mixed bag: over the last five matches, they've recorded two wins, two draws, and one loss. Notably, their recent encounter against Maccabi Ironi Kiryat Ata ended in a hard-fought 1-1 draw, highlighting their defensive sturdy nature but a struggle to convert possession into goals.

• Strengths: A solid defense anchored by captain and center-back Amir Cohen, who has been instrumental in keeping clean sheets. Their midfield, led by playmaker David Azoulay, demonstrates creativity and vision.
• Weaknesses: Inconsistency in finishing has plagued them; they have scored only 16 goals in 15 matches while conceding 15, suggesting they struggle during crucial moments in the final third.

Hapoel Tirat HaCarmel

On the flip side, Hapoel Tirat HaCarmel enters this match with a surge in confidence after securing three wins in their last five outings. Their recent victory, a decisive 3-1 win over Hapoel Bnei Tamra, is testament to their attacking prowess. At present, they occupy a higher league position, which adds pressure and motivation to secure all three points in this particular clash.

• Strengths: Their attacking unit, led by the dynamic striker Roee Levi, is firing on all cylinders, having netted 22 goals this season. The midfield duo of Elyan Ben Raham and Yoni Baruch is adept at controlling possession and transitioning swiftly into attack.
• Weaknesses: However, defensively, they show vulnerability, having conceded 19 goals. An overreliance on the attacking prowess can lead to gaps in their back line, particularly against a counter-attacking team like Umm al-Fahm.

Statistics and Head-to-Head

Historically, Tzeirei Umm al-Fahm has had a competitive edge in their previous meetings against Hapoel Tirat HaCarmel, holding a slight lead in the head-to-head record with 5 wins compared to Hapoel's 3 victories in their last 10 encounters. Their last encounter saw Umm al-Fahm edging past with a narrow 2-1 victory.

When analyzing home and away dynamics, Tzeirei's home ground advantage is noteworthy. They tend to perform better on familiar turf, with a home win percentage hovering around 50%. In contrast, Hapoel Tirat HaCarmel has shown resilience on the road but has faced challenges in high-pressure situations.

Contextual Factors

Several external elements could influence the outcome of this match. First, the weather forecast predicts mild conditions, but potential rain may affect the playing surface, favoring a more cautious approach from both teams. Additionally, Tzeirei Umm al-Fahm will be keenly aware that their star forward, who has been sidelined due to injury, has resumed training, potentially offering a morale boost should he feature. Conversely, Hapoel Tirat HaCarmel will miss their key defender, who is sidelined with a suspension, which could impact their ability to cope with the home side's attacking flare.

Prediction

In closing, expect a fiercely contested match that showcases tactical battles in both the midfield and front lines. While Tzeirei Umm al-Fahm has historically performed well in this fixture, Hapoel Tirat HaCarmel’s current form and attacking firepower may just give them the edge. With defensive vulnerabilities on both sides, a high-scoring game seems likely. I predict a draw, with a final score of 2-2, but given the volatile nature of football, it could swing either way.

Betting Insights: For betting enthusiasts, a double chance bet on Tzeirei Umm al-Fahm or a draw might offer a safer approach, given their home advantage and historical competitive record.