Hapoel Petah Tikva Hosts Hapoel Beer Sheva in Key League Matchup

Hapoel Petah Tikva will host reigning champions Hapoel Beer Sheva on Sunday evening in a match where the home team, with one win and two losses so far, aims to surprise the visitors. Petah Tikva anticipates a large crowd, with approximately 1,800 Beer Sheva fans already confirmed.

Petah Tikva's squad will be without defender Orel Dgani, who is expected to transfer to MS Ashdod. Coach Omer Peretz is considering two tactical formations for the game. If he opts for a three-defender system, Stav Israeli will join Orel Dgani and Diego Arroyo in central defense, with Avishai Cohen and Yazan Nassar at full-back. Roey David, who came on as a substitute in the previous match, is also in contention for a starting spot. With Frank Riboliere out for the season, three forwards, Kahl, Karim Kimbydi, and Shavit Mazal, are competing for two attacking positions.

Hapoel Beer Sheva, having dropped five points in their last two home games, is determined to secure a win on the road. Coach Ran Kochu will have to manage without injured defender Itay Rotman, midfielder Lucas Ventura, and suspended midfielder Eliel Peretz. Despite these absences, the team is relying on its deep squad and players seizing opportunities. Kochu noted that Rotman's rise exemplifies how players can step up when given a chance.

Several changes are expected in Beer Sheva's lineup. Idan Nachmias might make his first start in defense, while Amankwaa Forson could debut in midfield. Igor Zlatanovic may return to the starting eleven after an injury, or he might feature from the bench. Beer Sheva has conceded 17 goals in their last six matches across all competitions and has not kept a clean sheet in their last eight domestic games against Israeli opponents.

Historically, Hapoel Beer Sheva holds an edge in their league encounters, with 31 wins to Petah Tikva's 29, and 30 draws in 90 previous meetings. Petah Tikva was the only team not to lose to Beer Sheva in the 2025/26 regular season, drawing both matches 1-1, though they lost heavily in the subsequent playoff games. Beer Sheva's coach, Ran Kochu, has a strong record against Petah Tikva, remaining undefeated with four wins and three draws, including several high-scoring victories.