Hapoel Tel Aviv Favored to Win Israeli Premier League in 2026/27 Season Forecast

The 2026/27 Israeli Premier League season kicks off with three matches, and sports commentator Moshe Primo has shared his comprehensive predictions. Primo divides the league into three tiers, highlighting four top contenders for the championship: Hapoel Tel Aviv, Hapoel Be'er Sheva, Beitar Jerusalem, and Maccabi Tel Aviv. He regards Hapoel Tel Aviv as the strongest defensively, difficult to score against, and with reliable attacking options. Primo notes that European competition involvement could affect teams’ league performance, giving an edge to clubs like Hapoel Tel Aviv and Beitar Jerusalem if they exit Europe early, unlike Hapoel Be'er Sheva, which will face a demanding schedule.

At the bottom of the table, Primo predicts relegation for Ironi Tiberias and Bnei Sakhnin. Tiberias faces a tough season starting with a six-point deduction and limited ability to strengthen their squad, while Sakhnin appears unprepared and weak based on preseason observations.

Primo identifies Maccabi Haifa and coach Barak Bachar as the season's biggest disappointments, doubting their ability to reach the upper playoff tier due to poor management and squad quality. He praises Matheus Dabo of Maccabi Netanya as the leading candidate for top scorer, citing his speed, strength, and two-footed skill. Other scoring contenders include Omer Atzili, Dor Peretz, Satu Toriel, Igor Zlatanovic, and Javon East.

Satu Toriel of Hapoel Tel Aviv is named player of the season for his versatility and scoring ability, while Lucas Ventura of Hapoel Be'er Sheva is the top foreign player for his leadership and influence. Rookie Roy Elkukin (Hapoel Tel Aviv) is highlighted as the breakthrough player, with Daniel Vorko (Beitar Jerusalem) also showing promise. Young talents Yarin Abuhatzira (Maccabi Netanya) and Yaad Gonen (Hapoel Haifa) are noted as exciting discoveries from the Toto Cup.

Primo’s predicted starting eleven features players mainly from Hapoel Tel Aviv, Beitar Jerusalem, Hapoel Be'er Sheva, Maccabi Tel Aviv, and Maccabi Netanya. His final league table forecast places Hapoel Tel Aviv first, followed by Beitar Jerusalem, Hapoel Be'er Sheva, and Maccabi Tel Aviv, with Ironi Tiberias and Bnei Sakhnin at the bottom facing relegation.