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MakoSports

Hapoel Tel Aviv Favored to Win 2026/27 Israeli Premier League with Ruben as Player of the Year

Translated & summarized from Mako by baba

Center

Hebrew · 1 newsroom

Football analyst Lachman forecasts Hapoel Tel Aviv to win the 2026/27 Israeli Premier League, with Omer Atzili as player of the year and three foreign players vying for top honors. The season will feature strong team cohesion, emerging young talents, and a predicted disappointing campaign for Maccabi Haifa.

The story in 6 lines · by baba

  • Hapoel Tel Aviv is predicted to win the 2026/27 Israeli Premier League.
  • Omer Atzili of Beitar Jerusalem is favored as player of the year.
  • Top foreign player candidates include Javon East, Chico, and Matheus Dabo.
  • Mardintzki is expected to be the league's top scorer.
  • Maccabi Haifa is forecasted as the season's biggest disappointment.
  • Young players Daniel Vorko and Mor Buskila are expected to break out this season.

The 2026/27 Israeli Premier League season is approaching rapidly, with high expectations for a competitive and quality league following a successful summer for Israeli players in Europe. Football analyst Lachman predicts Hapoel Tel Aviv will claim the championship, citing coach Eliniv Breda's strategic signings and a strong, cohesive squad featuring young talents like Roy Alcokin, Amit Lamkin, and breakout star Mor Buskila. Breda's team is praised for its stability, defensive strength, and collective play rather than reliance on individual stars.

The standout player expected to lead the league is Israeli forward Omer Atzili of Beitar Jerusalem, who scored 19 goals last season and is anticipated to be the league's best player at age 33. Among foreign players, three are highlighted as top contenders for best foreign player: Javon East of Hapoel Be'er Sheva, Chico of Hapoel Tel Aviv, and Matheus Dabo of Maccabi Netanya. East combines strength, speed, dribbling, and scoring ability, while Chico has earned the trust of Breda despite a rough debut. Dabo, with 12 goals and eight assists last season, is expected to elevate Netanya to the upper playoff tier.

The top scorer is predicted to be striker Mardintzki, who will fill the shoes of Said Abu Farhi at Hapoel Tel Aviv, as the team is not expected to score many goals despite its overall strength. Two promising players from Hapoel Ramat Gan, Daniel Vorko and Mor Buskila, are expected to break out this season, with Buskila aiming to prove his worth after injuries.

Conversely, Maccabi Haifa is forecasted to be the season's disappointment. Despite the experience brought by Lior Rafaelov, the club struggles with squad building and an overabundance of defensive midfielders, leading to a lack of creativity. The club's impatience with foreign players may also hinder performance, as seen with past signings who failed to meet expectations.

The predicted top eight teams are: 1. Hapoel Tel Aviv, 2. Hapoel Be'er Sheva, 3. Beitar Jerusalem, 4. Maccabi Tel Aviv, 5. Maccabi Haifa, 6. Maccabi Netanya, 7. Hapoel Kiryat Shmona, and 8. Hapoel Haifa. The season promises surprises and emerging talents, with a focus on team cohesion and strategic player development.

MakoCentre · Neve Ilan

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