Get ready for an exciting showdown in the Leumit League as Hapoel Afula takes on Hapoel Ironi Akko. The match is set for September 23, 2024, at 18:00, right in the heart of Afula, Israel. It’s a significant clash given how these teams are neck and neck on the league table, with Afula holding the 14th spot and Akko just a step above in 13th. Last season was quite a different story for them. Afula ended in a respectable 4th place, whereas Akko went all the way to become champions. This time around, both teams have hit rough patches, struggling to rediscover their winning form.
Hapoel Afula’s recent outings haven’t been too promising. They’ve had one loss alongside a streak of four straight draws, hinting at their need to regroup and rethink strategies. Meanwhile, Hapoel Ironi Akko is slightly worse off with two losses to their name, one win, another draw, and yet another loss. This early in the league, they’re already in a precarious position. When these teams clashed last, it was a thrilling 1-1 draw on May 24, 2024, showing just how competitive they get whenever they face off. Playing at home gives Hapoel Afula a bit of an edge, and they’ll surely want to capitalize on the home ground advantage. Fans and experts alike will be watching their top scorer, Kule Mbombo, who’s scored three goals this season. On Akko’s side, Luis Cuadio will be in the spotlight, eager to make his mark in this encounter.
Hapoel Afula vs Hapoel Ironi Akko Prediction & Betting Tip
Given the recent form and Afula’s home advantage, the prediction suggests that they might just have the upper hand. Betting on Hapoel Afula to win seems sensible, considering their slight consistency edge over Akko and the powerful aura their home supporters create. Akko’s recent struggles further tip the scales in favor of Afula, who’ll aim to exploit any defensive lapses in their opponent’s side.
| Hapoel Afula to win | Odds |
|---|---|
| Betting Tip | Recommended |
Hapoel Afula vs Hapoel Ironi Akko Odds
The betting odds tell the tale of this tight contest. Odds for Hapoel Afula’s win range from 1.66 to 1.85, showing moderate confidence from the bookmakers. In contrast, Akko’s win odds are longer, reflecting the hurdles they have faced recently. These closely set odds underline a game expected to go down to the wire, where last-minute strategies and individual performances will be crucial.
| Hapoel Afula vs Hapoel Ironi Akko Betting Odds | |
|---|---|
| Bet | Odds |
| Hapoel Afula Win | 1.66 – 1.85 |
| Draw | TBD |
| Hapoel Ironi Akko Win | TBD |
Hapoel Afula Team Analysis
Hapoel Afula Recent Performance
Hapoel Afula’s been having a tough spell with their recent games. Their unfortunate 0-4 loss to Hapoel Ramat Gan underscores the tactical and individual issues they’re up against. Over five matches, they netted six goals, which averages to about 1.20 goals a game. Defensively, they’ve given away 10 goals, highlighting areas needing urgent attention.
| Recent Matches | Result |
|---|---|
| vs. Hapoel Umm al-Fahm | 1-1 |
| vs. Hapoel Kfar Saba | 2-2 |
| vs. Hapoel Ramat Gan | 0-4 |
| vs. Hapoel Petah Tikva | 1-1 |
| vs. Bnei Yehuda Tel Aviv | 2-2 |
Hapoel Afula Key Players
Kule Mbombo is the star player in Afula’s lineup. With three goals so far this season, he’s shown he’s capable of changing the game single-handedly. The midfield players need to control the game pace, distribute effectively, and maintain a solid structure. The defense also has to pull together to cut down errors and handle counter-attacks efficiently.
Other important contributions need to come from young talents coming through the ranks, in tandem with seasoned players whose creativity and experience can sway game outcomes significantly. Making the most of Mbombo’s tactical know-how and goal-scoring ability will be vital for their attack, possibly requiring tactical shifts to maximize their resources.
| Key Players | Goals |
|---|---|
| Kule Mbombo | 3 |
| Midfield Leaders | N/A |
| Defensive Stalwarts | N/A |
Hapoel Afula Suspensions & Injuries
There’s no detailed injury or suspension report available for Afula at the moment. Updates might reveal more closer to match day, but for now, the team seemingly has a full squad ready to go unless any last-minute injury concerns arise.
| Player | Status and Notes |
|---|---|
| Unknown | Additional insights required |
Hapoel Afula Tactics and Formation
Hapoel Afula is expected to opt for either a 4-4-2 or 4-2-3-1 formation. Their strategy might include strengthening their defense while supporting their attack through Mbombo. Quick transitions from defense to attack and capitalizing on set-pieces will be key.
Maintaining midfield control with solid possession and compact play is vital. Afula will likely avoid risky play, focusing instead on a strategic, calculated approach, building up attacks gradually and spotting weaknesses in Akko’s defense.
Hapoel Ironi Akko Team Analysis
Hapoel Ironi Akko Recent Performance
Hapoel Ironi Akko is struggling with form. Their recent games have mostly seen losses, save for one victory. Their last match was a 1-3 loss to Hapoel Nir Ramat HaSharon, exposing weaknesses, especially in defense.
| Recent Matches | Result |
|---|---|
| vs. Maccabi Petah Tikva | 1-2 |
| vs. Hapoel Acre | 0-1 |
| vs. Hapoel Nir Ramat HaSharon | 1-3 |
| vs. Hapoel Ashkelon | 1-0 |
| vs. SC Kfar Kasem | 1-1 |
They’ve scored four goals over five matches, averaging 0.80 per game, and have let in eight goals, indicating a need for serious improvement, particularly in midfield continuity and defensive organization.
Hapoel Ironi Akko Key Players
Luis Cuadio is a shining light for Akko, leading their attack, even if he has only one goal this season. Their midfield’s young talents show promise and might contribute more to improving overall team performance soon.
With Yossi Benayoun at the helm, they’re looking to enhance their flexibility on the field with experienced players helping steer through tough match situations. Ensuring their midfield controls game tempo is critical to maintaining a steady match flow.
| Key Players | Goals |
|---|---|
| Luis Cuadio | 1 |
| Midfield Standouts | Developing |
| Defensive Leaders | TBD |
Hapoel Ironi Akko Suspensions & Injuries
There’s limited information on Akko’s injuries or suspensions. More analysis is advised for current updates, but presently, having a full squad seems possible unless unforeseen squad issues arise.
| Player | Status and Notes |
|---|---|
| Unknown | Additional insights required |
Hapoel Ironi Akko Tactics and Formation
Akko will likely stick with their 4-3-3 setup, aiming for balance between attack and defense. A key focus could be stabilizing at the back due to past issues, employing pressing and smooth transitions. Set-pieces might be an area they target to leverage.
Their forward line seeks to take advantage of unexpected lapses from Afula’s defense, supported by tactical adjustments led by Benayoun, which could focus on boosting morale and teamwork.
Hapoel Afula vs Hapoel Ironi Akko Head-to-Head Statistics
History between Hapoel Afula and Hapoel Ironi Akko is marked by competitive clashes and several draws, showing tactical prudence by both teams. Their last meet ended at a 1-1 draw, capturing the balance of their encounters.
| Recent Encounters | Result |
|---|---|
| Hapoel Afula vs Akko | 1-1 |
| Akko vs Afula | TBD |
| Afula vs Akko | TBD |
| Akko vs Afula | TBD |
Akko has a slight edge with two wins over the last five games, but Afula has managed better results at home, grabbing draws and showcasing their resilience. Matches typically average one goal each, hinting at another tight, cautious duel.
Venue and Weather
The match will play out in Afula, where conditions are favorable. Warm but not too hot at around 29.84°C with some cloud coverage to ease sunlight. Wind speeds are expected at a moderate 6.74 m/s, unlikely to impact game precision.
This weather sets a fine stage for an enticing match-up, letting both teams perform without weather hindrance. However, strategic hydration and player rotations might be crucial to managing any fatigue from the warmth. Tactical changes may slightly consider the heat, though it’s not expected to greatly affect game plans.
