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 analyst Moshe Primo has released his full season forecast. Primo divides the league into three tiers and highlights four top contenders for the championship: Hapoel Tel Aviv, Hapoel Be'er Sheva, Beitar Jerusalem, and Maccabi Tel Aviv. Among them, Hapoel Tel Aviv stands out for its strong defense under coach Eliniv Breda and a reliable attack, making it the most powerful team at the season's start. Primo notes that European competition involvement could affect teams’ performances, giving an edge to clubs like Hapoel Tel Aviv and Beitar Jerusalem if they exit early, unlike Hapoel Be'er Sheva, which will face a heavier schedule.

At the bottom of the table, Ironi Tiberias and Bnei Sakhnin are predicted to be relegated. Ironi Tiberias faces significant challenges, including starting with a six-point deduction and limited ability to strengthen the squad mid-season. Bnei Sakhnin is described as the weakest team, with a squad that is not ready for the league, despite potential reinforcements.

Primo identifies Maccabi Haifa and coach Barak Bachar as the season’s biggest disappointment, predicting they will likely finish in the lower playoff group due to poor management and an underperforming squad. He criticizes the club’s leadership for starting the season with this coaching setup.

Key individual predictions include Matheus Dabo of Maccabi Netanya as the top scorer candidate, praised for his speed and skill. The player of the season is expected to be Satu Turiel from Hapoel Tel Aviv, noted for his versatility and scoring ability. Lucas Ventura of Hapoel Be'er Sheva is named the best foreign player, while rising stars Roy Alcokin (Hapoel Tel Aviv) and Daniel Vorko (Beitar Jerusalem) are highlighted as breakthrough talents. Young prospects Yarin Abuhatzira (Maccabi Netanya) and Yaad Gonen (Hapoel Haifa) are also spotlighted for their potential.

Primo’s projected league standings place Hapoel Tel Aviv first, followed by Beitar Jerusalem, Hapoel Be'er Sheva, and Maccabi Tel Aviv in the top four. The forecast underscores the competitive nature of the league and the uncertainty surrounding team performances over the coming months.