Israeli Premier League 2009/2010

berko · Jul 26, 2009

Soon we will have a new season opening and expectations are for a very disputed one. Maccabi Haifa has been in very good form lately and are hoping to hold their title. Hapoel Tel Aviv have made impressive signings and strengthened their squad for this season and promise to be a strong title contender. Beitar Jerusalem began the summer in a bad way having the threat of been relegated due to financial difficulties and many of its main players leaving. At the end the team has survived and are once again on the title picture.
Maccabi Tel Aviv bets on Avi Nimni as a coach to regain their cofidence. Title hopes are slim, but expectations are for a top table finish and an European spot.
With the league increase to 16 clubs we had the return of some traditional clubs to top flight. Hapoel Haifa and Hapoel Beer Sheva among them.

IFA has released the full schedule. Already on the first round we have an intresting opener with Beitar hosting Hapoel at Teddy and on the following week visting Sakhnin. Other important games, Hapoel hosts Haifa in the fourth round, while the Tel Aviv derby takes place on the eight. Beitar and Haifa face each other on the previous round.
On the last round, we have Maccabi Tel Aviv Vs Beitar and the Haifa derby.

Full Schedule:

*From Round 16 until 30 are the same matches as 1 to 15 just invert the home team.

Round 1
Beitar Jerusalem Vs Hapoel Tel Aviv
Maccabi Petah Tikva Vs Hapoel Ramat Gan
Hapoel Beer Sheva Vs Hapoel Raanana
Maccabi Haifa Vs Hapoel Acco
Maccabi Netanya Vs Hapoel Haifa
SC Ashdod Vs Bnei Yehuda
Ahi Nazrath Vs Hapoel Petah Tikva
Maccabi Tel Aviv Vs Bnei Sakhnin

Round 2
Bnei Sakhnin Vs Beitar Jerusalem
Hapoel Petah Tikva Vs Maccabi Tel Aviv
Bnei Yehuda Vs Ahi Nazrath
Hapoel Haifa Vs SC Ashdod
Hapoel Acco Vs Maccabi Netanya
Hapoel Raanana Vs Maccabi Haifa
Hapoel Ramat Gan Vs Hapoel Beer Sheva
Hapoel Tel Aviv Vs Maccabi Petah Tikva

Round 3
Maccabi Petah Tikva Vs Beitar Jerusalem
Hapoel Beer Sheva Vs Hapoel Tel Aviv
Maccabi Haifa Vs Hapoel Ramat Gan
Maccabi Netanya Vs Hapoel Raanana
SC Ashdod Vs Hapoel Acco
Ahi Nazrath Vs Hapoel Haifa
Maccabi Tel Aviv Vs Bnei Yehuda
Bnei Sakhnin Vs Hapoel Petah Tikva

Round 4
Beitar Jerusalem Vs Hapoel Petah Tikva
Bnei Yehuda Vs Bnei Sakhnin
Hapoel Haifa Vs Maccabi Tel Aviv
Hapoel Acco Vs Ahi Nazrath
Hapoel Raanana Vs SC Ashdod
Hapoel Ramat Gan Vs Maccabi Netanya
Hapoel Tel Aviv Vs Maccabi Haifa
Maccabi Petah Tikva Vs Hapoel Beer Sheva

Round 5
Hapoel Beer Sheva Vs Beitar Jerusalem
Maccabi Haifa Vs Maccabi Petah Tikva
Maccabi Netanya Vs Hapoel Tel Aviv
SC Ashdod Vs Hapoel Ramat Gan
Ahi Nazrath Vs Hapoel Raanana
Maccabi Tel Aviv Vs Hapoel Acco
Bnei Sakhnin Vs Hapoel Haifa
Hapoel Petah Tikva Vs Bnei Yehuda

Round 6
Beitar Jerusalem Vs Bnei Yehuda
Hapoel Haifa Vs Hapoel Petah Tikva
Hapoel Acco Vs Bnei Sakhnin
Hapoel Raanana Vs Maccabi Tel Aviv
Hapoel Ramat Gan Vs Ahi Nazrath
Hapoel Tel Aviv Vs SC Ashdod
Maccabi Petah Tikva Vs Maccabi Netanya
Hapoel Beer Sheva Vs Maccabi Haifa

Round 7
Maccabi Haifa Vs Beitar Jerusalem
Maccabi Netanya Vs Hapoel Beer Sheva
SC Ashdod Vs Maccabi Petah Tikva
Ahi Nazrath Vs Hapoel Tel Aviv
Maccabi Tel Aviv Vs Hapoel Ramat Gan
Hapoel Petah Tikva Vs Hapoel Acco
Bnei Sakhnin Vs Hapoel Raanana
Bnei Yehuda Vs Hapoel Haifa

Round 8
Beitar Jerusalem Vs Hapoel Haifa
Hapoel Acco Vs Bnei Yehuda
Hapoel Raanana Vs Hapoel Petah Tikva
Hapoel Ramat Gan Vs Bnei Sakhnin
Hapoel Tel Aviv Vs Maccabi Tel Aviv
Maccabi Petah Tikva Vs Ahi Nazrath
Hapoel Beer Sheva Vs SC Ashdod
Maccabi Haifa Vs Maccabi Netanya

Round 9
Maccabi Netanya Vs Beitar Jerusalem
SC Ashdod Vs Maccabi Haifa
Ahi Nazrath Vs Hapoel Beer Sheva
Maccabi Tel Aviv Vs Maccabi Petah Tikva
Bnei Sakhnin Vs Hapoel Tel Aviv
Hapoel Petah Tikva Vs Hapoel Ramat Gan
Bnei Yehuda Vs Hapoel Raanana
Hapoel Haifa Vs Hapoel Acco

Round 10
Beitar Jerusalem Vs Hapoel Acco
Hapoel Raanana Vs Hapoel Haifa
Hapoel Ramat Gan Vs Bnei Yehuda
Hapoel Tel Aviv Vs Hapoel Petah Tikva
Maccabi Petah Tikva Vs Bnei Sakhnin
Hapoel Beer Sheva Vs Maccabi Tel Aviv
Maccabi Haifa Vs Ahí Nazrath
Maccabi Netanya Vs SC Ashdod

Round 11
SC Ashdod Vs Beitar Jerusalem
Ahi Nazrath Vs Maccabi Netanya
Maccabi Tel Aviv Vs Maccabi Haifa
Bnei Sakhnin Vs Hapoel Beer Sheva
Hapoel Petah Tikva Vs Maccabi Petah Tikva
Bnei Yehuda Vs Hapoel Tel Aviv
Hapoel Haifa Vs Hapoel Ramat Gan
Hapoel Acco Vs Hapoel Raanana

Round 12
Beitar Jerusalem Vs Hapoel Raanana
Hapoel Ramat Gan Vs Hapoel Acco
Hapoel Tel Aviv Vs Hapoel Haifa
Maccabi Petah Tikva Vs Bnei Yehuda
Hapoel Beer Sheva Vs Hapoel Petah Tikva
Maccabi Haifa Vs Bnei Sakhnin
Maccabi Netanya Vs Maccabi Tel Aviv
SC Ashdod Vs Ahi Nazrath

Round 13
Ahi Nazrath Vs Beitar Jerusalem
Maccabi Tel Aviv Vs SC Ashdod
Bnei Sakhnin Vs Maccabi Netanya
Hapoel Petah Tikva Vs Maccabi Haifa
Bnei Yehuda Vs Hapoel Beer Sheva
Hapoel Haifa Vs Maccabi Petah Tikva
Hapoel Acco Vs Hapoel Tel Aviv
Hapoel Raanana Vs Hapoel Ramat Gan

Round 14
Beitar Jerusalem Vs Hapoel Ramat Gan
Hapoel Tel Aviv Vs Hapoel Raanana
Maccabi Petah Tikva Vs Hapoel Acco
Hapoel Beer Sheva Vs Hapoel Haifa
Maccabi Haifa Vs Bnei Yehuda
Maccabi Netanya Vs Hapoel Petah Tikva
SC Ashdod Vs Bnei Sakhnin
Ahi Nazrath Vs Maccabi Tel Aviv

Round 15
Maccabi Tel Aviv Vs Beitar Jerusalem
Bnei Sakhnin Vs Ahi Nazrath
Hapoel Petah Tikva Vs SC Ashdod
Bnei Yehuda Vs Maccabi Netanya
Hapoel Haifa Vs Maccabi Haifa
Hapoel Acco Vs Hapoel Beer Sheva
Hapoel Raanana Vs Maccabi Petah Tikva
Hapoel Ramat Gan Vs Hapoel Tel Aviv

ירוק OLE! · Jul 26, 2009

thanks for the full schedule berko. Can't wait for beitar-hapoel first round. Fans will be real "excited" to watch football, should be a heavy atmosphere. And who can forget round 15....HAIFA DERBY isback!!

Why don't we have prediction league?

berko · Jul 26, 2009

ירוק OLE!;7212532 said:
thanks for the full schedule berko. Can't wait for beitar-hapoel first round. Fans will be real "excited" to watch football, should be a heavy atmosphere. And who can forget round 15....HAIFA DERBY isback!!

Why don't we have prediction league?

We can create one.

Who is willing to participate?

ירוק OLE! · Jul 26, 2009

i'm in, without a doubt

berko · Jul 27, 2009

I am in aswell. Waiting new members

Crackedpleasures · Jul 27, 2009

i am also willin to enter

berko · Aug 16, 2009

MACCABI HAIFA

Titles:
--------------------------------------------
11 Israeli league titles

5 State Cups

4 Toto Cups
--------------------------------------------
Seasons in European competition: 13

Last Season: Champions

Stadium: Kiriat Eliezer

Capacity: 14,500

Coach: Elisha Levy

Squad:

Keepers:

Nir Davidovich, Amir Edri, Haim Ziskind

Defenders and Sidebacks:
Eyal Meshumar, Shai Maimon, Dekel Keinan, Jorge Teixeira (POR), Peter
Mesilela (RSA), Alon Harazi, Taleb Tuataha

Midfielders:
Gustavo Boccoli (BRA holds Israeli passport), John Culma (COL), Biram Kiyal, Lior Rafaelov, Israel Zaguri, Liad Almaliach, Mohamed Gadir

Forwards and Strikers:
Yaniv Katan, Vladimir Dvalishvili (GEO), Shlomi Arbeitman, Yero Bello (NGA), Eyal Golasa

Preview:

Maccabi Haifa opens Ligat Ha´Al as title contenders and defending champions. Currently focused on their attempt to qualify for the Champions League group stage for the second time in their history the greens will have a hard time to be crowned champions once again.

During their training camp in Austria, Maccabi Haifa managed good results including two wins over Russian giants Spartak and Lokomotiv and good tactical game. But the great slump against Aktobe in the first 15 minutes of the game in Kiriat Eliezer gave Haifa fans a bit of concern on how the team will perform throughout the season.

They kept most of players, but no impressive signings were made. Yero Bello came back on loan after a good season in Kiriat Shmona, Portuguese defender Jorge Teixeira came from Paphos, but still hasn´t impressed much while Georgian striker, Vladimir Dvalishvili is the only one to have pleased Haifa fans until the present moment. Club owner Yaakov Shahar has announced that in case the team qualifies for the Champions League Group Stage he will open his pocket to bring in a big signing.

It will be intresting to see some of the youth talents produced at Haifa, such Eyal Golasa, Mohamed Gadir and Lior Rafaelov gaining a lot of playing time and this could help the team flourish under the guidance of captain Yaniv Katan. Veteran Alon Harazi took back his decision on retirement and will play one more season even though he is not exactly
on the plans of coach Elish Levy.

Prediction: 1st -3rd place

berko · Aug 16, 2009

HAPOEL TEL AVIV

Titles:
--------------------------------------------
12 Israeli leagues (5 before 1948)

12 State Cups (5 before 1948)

1 Toto Cup

1 Asian Cup
--------------------------------------------
Seasons in European Competition: 11

Last Season: 2nd place

Stadium: Bloomfield

Capacity: 16,000

Coach: Eli Gutman

Squad:

Keepers:
Vincent Eniyema (NGA), Nir Abarbanel

Defenders and Sidebacks:
Omri Kanada, Dani Bondar, Walid Badir, Douglas Da Silva (BRA), Dedi Ben Dayan, Yehuda Lota, Gal Shaish

Midfielders:
Shai Abutbul, Idan Srur, Avihai Yadin, Bibras Natcho, Gili Vermut, Zorab Mentashvili (GEO), Michael Zandberg, Royi Gordana

Forwards and Strikers:
Itay Shechter, Eran Zahavi, Samuel Yeboah (GHA), Maharan Lala, Viktor Marai

Preview:

Hapoel Tel Aviv has been appointed by the media lately as the favourites to win the title. After a training camp in Austria the reds had an excellent debut in the Europa League beating Goteburg in Sweden 3-1 and administrating the result in Bloomfield in 1-1 draw. Winning their next opponent FK Teplice from the Czech Republic concedes Hapoel a spot in the Group Stage of the competition.

Not only the good results are making fans optimistic, but the big signings this summer that has really strengthened the side and that could make the difference in a tight title race finish which is expected. The best left back of the league last season Dedi Ben Dayan came from Maccabi Netanya to add and substitute veteran Yigal Antebi who did not renew contract with the club. His colleague at Netanya, Itay Shechter after a saga also came and many expected from the striker in forming a lethal duo force upfront with Ghanian Samuel Yeboah. Michael Zandberg came to add ability and experience and will join a very strong midfield with Gili Vermut and Bibras Natcho. Excellent goalkeeper Vincent Enyema stayed after so many rumours and will certainly be a guarantee of safeness at the back while veteran Walid Badir is expected to align with Brazilian Douglas da Silva in heart of defense.

Prediction: 1st – 2nd place

berko · Aug 16, 2009

BEITAR JERUSALEM:

Titles:
--------------------------------------------
6 Leagues Titles

7 State Cups

1 Toto Cup
--------------------------------------------
Seasons in European Competition: 8

Last Season: 3rd place

Stadium: Teddy

Capacity: 21,600

Coach: Itzhak Shum

Keepers:
Ariel Harush, Jolson Mayebi (CAM), Ohad Saydof

Defenders and Sidebacks:
Cristian Alvarez (CHL), Shimon Guershon, Arik Benado, Tomer Ben Yosef, Shmule Kozokin, Eliran Danin, Eitan Tayibi, Matan Barashi

Midfielders:
Idan Vered, Aviram Baruchyan, Aviatar Baruchyan, Idan Tal, Avi Rikan, Junior Visa (PER), Kobi Moyal, Dan Aybander,

Forwards and Strikers:
Barak Itzhaki, Amit Ben Shushan, Toto Tamuz, Hen Azriel, Tal Mishaly, David Gomes (BRA)

Preview:

Summer was real hot in Jerusalem. What appeared to be disaster became hope and confidence. After club owner Arkady Gaidamak announced the club is on sale and a reduction of all players and staff of more than 50% on their wages, many thought this would be an end of a victorious cycle for the Beitar in the league. The non entrance in European competition due to financial issues, plus the imminent departure of the key players meant Beitar would be a mere mid table team.
But new sponsors came in and Gome Agaier a Jewish Brazilian millionaire came to pour in the money and keep the majority of the squad from last season.
They even managed to bring in veteran coach Itzhak Shum who gave Beitar the double two seasons ago. With the maintenance of the squad, the arrival of Shum and their fanatical fans, Beitar Jerusalem expects to surprise even itself and bring the trophy back to the capital.

Prediction: 1st -3rd place

berko · Aug 16, 2009

MACCABI NETANYA

Titles:

--------------------------------------------
5 League Titles

1 State Cup

2 Toto Cups
--------------------------------------------
Seasons in European Competition: 3

Last Season: 4th place

Stadium: “Ha Kufsa”

Capacity: 7,500

Coach: Nati Azaria

Squad:

Keepers:

Daniel Lifshitz, Tarek Natour

Defenders and Sidebacks:
Klemi Saban, Bevan Frensman (RSA), Maoz Samiya, Orel Dejani, Tal Maabi, Omer Gariva, Teres Shulkowsky, Omer Ben Harush

Midfielders:
Almog Cohen, Ravid Gazal, Shalev Menashe, Amiye Taga, Rif Mesika, Chen Ezra, Snir Gueta, Guy Abend, Firas Mugrabi

Forwards and Strikers:
Dela Yampolsky, Alon Weisberg, Ahmed Saba, Obodo Okocha (GHA)

Preview:

Maccabi Netanya lost most of its key players and coach Lothar Matthaus. Boss Daniel Jammer decided to cut wages and to sell players in order to cash in and sell the club, but no sponsors were willing to buy it. A disastrous Europa League presentation against Galatasaray losing 10-1 aggregate was pretty much the scene the summed the crumbled Netanya for the upcoming season.

To substitute Matthaus, coach Nati Azaria with not so much experience in top flight was the only one willing to take the sinking boat and start to rebuild the squad. At extense negotiations Azaria managed to convice experienced midfielder Ravid Gazal to stay, the same way Klemi Saban. Key player is Shalev Menashe, but the midfielder has two offers from other Ligat Ha´Al teams and might join the list of departures.

The fans will have the opportunity this season to watch many young and home players and they will be the ones to get Netanya out of this non confidence feelings.

Prediction: 9th – 12th place

berko · Aug 16, 2009

BNEI YEHUDA

Titles:
--------------------------------------------
1 League Title

1 State Cup

1 Toto Cup

--------------------------------------------
Seasons in European Competiton: 2

Last Season: 5th place

Stadium: Skhunat ha Tikva

Capacity: 6,500

Plays at Bloomfield Stadium since Skhunat ha Tikva doesn´t have enough conditions for hosting LIgat Ha´Al games.

Coach: Guy Luzon

Squad:

Keepers:
Dele Ayenugba (NGA), Ran Kadosh

Defenders and Sidebacks:
Itzik Azuz, Aviv Hadad, Din Mori, Ivan Garrido (COL), Nitzan Aharonovich

Midfielders:
Kfir Edri, Asi Baldut, Oz Rali, Omri Afek, Maharan Radi, Liroy Zairi, Pedro Galvan (ARG), George Amsis, Hasan Abu Zaid, Sinisa Linic (CRO), Tal Mishaan

Forwards and Strikers
Moshe Biton, Eliran Atar, Mohamed Hatari

Preview:

Always considered the smaller clubs of Tel Aviv, Bnei Yehuda has shown a lot of good football and impressive results which gave them the status of positive surprise. The big sprint on the second half of season finishing fifth place and with Beitar Jerusalem not having permission to play in this season Europa League, gave the oranges the spot and they have made their fans proud: 6 games and 6 victories which led them to a playoff birth with Dutch giants PSV Eindhoven in order to clinch a Group Stage appearance.

Pre season was good for the club, coach Guy Luzon managed to keep most of the players, especially the new jewel of Israeli football Eliran Atar who has proven to be important for the club and doubt that he will remain in orange for any longer. Experienced players such as Kfir Edri, Asi Baldut and Moshe Biton give the necessary tranquility for younger players to flourish such as Atar, Mori and Zairi. Foreign players also give the tone. Nigerian keeper Ayienugba is having a good moment, same with Colombian defender Ivan Garrido and and Argentine midfielder Pedro Galvan.

If the team continues the same display they will reach far this season, maybe not enough for the title, but definitely fighting for Europe once again.

Prediction: 3rd – 6th place

berko · Aug 16, 2009

MACCABI TEL AVIV

Titles:
--------------------------------------------
18 Leagues Titles (4 before 1948)

22 State Cups (6 before 1948)

3 Toto Cups

2 Asian Cups
--------------------------------------------
Seasons in European Competitions: 11

Last Season: 6th place

Stadium: Bloomfield

Capacity: 17,000

Coach: Avi Nimni

Squad:

Keepers:
Liran Strauber, Guy Solomon, Mike Chen
Defenders and sidebacks:
Yuval Spungin, Igor Tomasic (BUL), Niso Kapiloto, Uri Shitrit, Roni Gafni, Tom Manashrov, Amir Shkalim

Midfielders:
Dor Malul, Shiran Yeni, Lior Jan, Guillermo Israelevich (ARG/ISR), Yossi Shivhon, Maor Buzaglo, Tamir Cahlon, Ref Peretz, Tzion Tzemach, Uri Biton

Forwards ans Strikers:
Yuval Avidor, Ilya Yavorian (ARM), Emanuel Mayuke (ZAM), Yaniv Azran, Omri Ron, Matan Lotati

Preview:

Quiet. That has been the key word for a good season for Maccabi Tel Aviv in the last few seasons. Whenever big expectations were made, the club failed to attend fans hopes. This season started off badly as many players left, key star Maor Buzaglo went through surgery and will be sidelined for a few months the same with Yaniv Azran, no new signings were being made while rivals were reinforcing themselves.

Alex Sneider sold the club to another Jewish Canadian Billionaire, Mitch Goldhar and the club was able to bring in some players. Left back Roni Gafni returned to his boyhood club, new prodigy Yuval Avidor who played last year in Israel U-21 NT was also brought in from Kiriat Shmona. At the back, veteran keeper Liran Staruber is back and will surely add experience and security for Maccabi´s backline while this week Slovenian international Andrej Komac has been announced to add quality in midfield.

This season Avi Nimni has the chance to build up the squad, which has a lot of young players many of them promoted from the youth and eager to show their full potential. With experienced players like Strauber, Shivhon, Israelevich and the return of Maor Buzaglo to his form, Maccabi could dream in a good season and why not the title.

Prediction: 3rd – 6th place

berko · Aug 16, 2009

MACCABI PETAH TIKVA

Titles:
--------------------------------------------
2 State cups

3 Toto Cups
--------------------------------------------
Seasons in European Competitions: 2

Last Season: 7th place

Stadium: “Ha Urva”

Capacity: 7,000

Coach: Roni Levy

Squad:

Keepers:
Ohad Cohen, Rubi Levkovich, Tomer Irani

Defenders and Sidebacks:
Murad Megamedov (AZB/ISR), Avi Yehiel, Nitzan Damari, Nitzan Damari, Kobi Ganon, Naor Pesser, Hagay Goldenberg

Midfielders:
Assi Maschiach, Omer Boksenboim, Dan Roman, Ori Luzon, Dani Freda, Daniel Unger, Tamir Luzon, Vanco Trajanov (MKD)

Forwards and Strikers:
Tomislav Busic (CRO), Rubil Sarsur, Omer Damari, Tal Ben Haim, Dovev Gabai

Preview:

Maccabi Petah Tikva has been generally in the last years a decent team that has always given a hard time to the big clubs, eventually even managing to play in Europe and having great results such as a win over Partizan in Belgrade 5-2.

This season three time league champion with Maccabi Haifa, Roni Levy, had the chance to build his team and apparently they will be able to follow their script. They kept the spinal cord of the team with Ohad Cohen, Murad Megamedov, Kobi Ganon, Omer Boksenboim and signed in two promising foreigners: Trajanov and Busic the latter was part of Croatia´s U-21 and was recommended by former Israeli league legend Giovanni Rosso.

The “Luzonim”, will have to content themselves with the midtable this season, but they surely could surprise in the Toto Cup or the State Cup.

Prediction: 7th – 10th place

berko · Aug 16, 2009

SC ASHDOD

Titles:
--------------------------------------------
None
--------------------------------------------
Season in European competition: 1

Last Season: 8th place

Stadium: Yud Alef

Capacity: 7,500

Coach: Yossi Mizrahi

Squad:

Keepers:
Yossi Shekel, Ofer Marziano, Dragan Stojokic (CRO)

Defenders and Sidebacks:
Cristian Gonzales (URU), Matan Ohayon, Alon Steven, Adir Tubul, Maor Peretz, Ori Ozan, Israel Rosh, Rahamim Chokul

Midfielders:
David Revivo, Yossi Ophir, Baruch Dego, Moshe Ohayon, Shai Revivo, Gal Levy, Ben Butbul

Forwards and Strikers:
Barak Badash, Nir Nahum, Dimitar Makriev (BUL), Nir Biton, Idan Sade, Idan Shriki

Preview:

With financial support of Jackie Ben Zacken and the guidance of Yossi Mizrahi at their ranks, Ashdod managed to keep two vital players: David Revivo (the best assist player of last season) and Dimitar Makriev, the very good Bulgarian international striker who received some offers, but stayed with the club afterall. Adding to their quality Baruch Dego has returned to his boyhood club to give an assistance to Revivo in midfield while combative Moshe Ohayon is also to add quality for the southerners. In defense, the presence of three U-21 players (Israel Rosh, Rahamim Chokul Yossi Shekel) gives Ashdod fans the certainty of quality.

The team is expected to give hard time for the big teams, but won´t trail on top and will probably end in a midtable position maybe expecting to improve their runner up place in the Toto Cup last season or a State Cup luck.

Prediction: 7th – 10th place

berko · Aug 16, 2009

BNEI SAKHNIN

Titles:
--------------------------------------------
1 State Cup
--------------------------------------------
Season in European Competition: 1

Last Season: 9th place

Stadium: Doha

Capacity: 8,500

Coach: Eran Kolik

Squad:

Keepers:
Meir Cohen, Mohamed Kandil

Defenders and Sidebacks:
Tal Chen, Alaa Abu Saleh, Yaya Pete (CGO), Mohamed Zabidat, Bassem Ghanaim, Maharan Abu Raya, Ali Ataman, Halal Khalaila

Midfielders:
Yaniv Luzon, Abbas Swan, Haim Banon, Haled Khalaila, Hamed Ghanaim, Mohamed Abu Riye, Bogdan Oposto (ROM), Amir Abu Arar, Arafat Djako (TOG),

Forwards and Strikers:
Ibrahim Abu Saleh, Ahmed Kassoum, Cadu (BRA)

Preview:

Sakhnin has kept most of their main players such as Abbas Swan, Ahmed Kassoum, Haled Khalaila and keeper Meir Cohen. The new foreign signings still didn´t have enough time to shown their full potential, but it doesn´t look as they will change something around the “team from the migzar”. Despite not many investments club fans and board are confident on the survival in Ligat Ha´Al the upcoming season and the team will look for a mid table finish.

Prediction: 11th place – 14th place

berko · Aug 16, 2009

HAPOEL PETAH TIKVA

Titles:
--------------------------------------------
6 League titles

2 State Cups

4 Toto Cups
--------------------------------------------
Seasons in European Competition: 2

Last Season: 10th place

Stadium: “Ha Urva”

Capacity: 7,000

Coach: Dani Niron

Squad:

Keepers:
Snir Dori, Tzalil Hatucka

Defenders and Sidebacks:
Gal Cohen, Udi Hanon, Emmanuel Matias (TOG), Eli Abarbanel, Mark Gorman, Nihiel Hatoba

Midfielders:
Kobi Dejani, Sagiv Cohen, Kfir Dor, George Gebro (LIB), Tomer Ben Haim, Dor Halevi, Tomo Barzilai, Rafi Dahan,

Forwards and Strikers:
Elnatan Salmi, Omri Elmakayes, Armon Ben Naim, Ayman Abu Saleh, Osman bashiru (GHA), Shahar Balilt

Preview:

For those used to past glories of Hapoel Petah Tikva can´t believe that the once champions and such traditional club that has beaten Feyenoord in European competition is now looking a crumbling team. After a season in Liga Leumit and promoting the following season, the “malabasim” managed to survive last season in a 10th place finish from 12 team league. This season initially the main goal is once again avoid relegation, with no stars and a very young squad and also a new coach, Hapoel Petah Tikva will have to fight a lot to keep their pride.

Prediction: 11th place – 14th place

berko · Aug 16, 2009

HAPOEL HAIFA

Titles:
--------------------------------------------
1 League title

3 State Cups

1 Toto Cup
--------------------------------------------
Season in European Competition: 1

Last Season: 1st place in Liga Leumit

Stadium: Kiriat Eliezer

Capacity: 14,500

Coach: Shlomi Dora

Squad:

Keepers:
Galil Ben Shaanan, Omri Alon

Defenders and Sidebacks:
Eliran Elkayam, Emmanuel Pappoe (GHA), Savity Lipenia (CON), Oded Elkayam, Eyal Tartatzki, Oshri Roash

Midfielders:
Hai Ben Lulu, Yossi Dora, Ran Abukrat, Shai Siboni, Gal Harel, Brian Gerzicich (ARG), Hisham Kiwan,

Forwards and Strikers:
Eran Levi, Eden Ben Basat, Yossi Janach, Ahmed Diab, Amir Abu Nil

Preview:

Haifa will now have the return of its derby and in great style. Maccabi were Ligat Ha´Al champions while Hapoel, Liga Leumit champions. The boys under command of Shlomi Dora have the confidence and good teamwork skills to make a good season and who knows, surprise the top teams. The “sharks” kept their good attack with Eran Levi and Eden ben Basat and counting with U-21 defender Oshri Roash after extensive negotiations during summer. Ghanian sideback who played for Ghana in World Cup 2006, Emanuel Pappoe continues with the club and are willing to return to their glorious days with Giovanni Rosso and Dudu Aouate.
A mid table finish is the most likely position for Hapoel Haifa this season, but the promising coach Shlomi Dora, trusts he could could make an even better season.

Prediction: 7th place – 10th place

berko · Aug 16, 2009

HAPOEL ACCO

Last Season: 2nd in Liga Leumit

Stadium:Napoleon Stadium

Capacity: 5,000

The team will probably have initially to host their matches in another stadium since Napoeleon Stadium hasn´t been allowed to host Premier League matches. Kiriat Eliezer in Haifa or Green Stadium in Nazrath are two options.

Coach: Yaron Hochenboim

Squad:

Keepers:
Dudu Goresh, Gad Amos

Defenders and Sidebacks:
Geva Barkai, Itzik Cohen, Yaniv Chichian, Ron Ben Nahum, Eitan Azaria, John Tennenbaum,

Midfielders:
Oshri Alfasi, Shachar Simantov, Moshiko Halfon, Liad Almaliach, Emanuel Emangoa (CAM), Ben Binyamin, Eli Erlich

Forwards and Strikers:
Roy Dayan, Oshri Gita, Mba Edek (CAM), Omar Abdul Aziz (NIG), Sharon Goramzano

Preview:

Acco had a good season finishing second behind Hapoel Haifa in Liga Leumit thus gaining their promotion for Ligat Ha´Al. The team hasn´t any big name, but some players who have been in top flight like Roy Dayan, Eitan Azaria and Oshri Gita, but they will have to prove a lot to keep themselves in Ligat Ha´Al and for now their main objective is to avoid relegation.

Good coach Yaron Hochenboim expects his team to repeat good results like the ones against Maccabi Tel Aviv two seasons ago in the State Cup.

Prediction: 14th place – 16th place

berko · Aug 16, 2009

HAPOEL BEER SHEVA

Titles:
--------------------------------------------
2 League Titles

1 State Cup

2 Toto Cup
--------------------------------------------
Season in European completion: 3

Last Season: 3rd place in Liga Leumit

Stadium: Vassermil

Capacity: 13,000

Coach: Guy Azuri

Squad:

Keepers:
Tvrtko Kale (CRO/ISR), Dor Davidi, Uri Machluf

Defenders and Sidebacks:
Danilo Moreira (BRA), Yaniv Elul, Eliran Amzaleg, Nadav Kidar, Pavel Pergl (CZE), Evyatar Iluz, Shimon Harush,

Midfielders:
Erez Mesika, Eyal Shen, Ziv Cabedah, Elad Bunfeld, Dandi Okogo (NIG), Maor Melikson, Moshe Asulin, Yosef Elkayam, Joseph Tachie (GHA)

Forwards and Strikers:
Hanan Fedida, Ohad Kadusi, Lior Asulin, Rafi Amos, Pathe Bangoura (GUI)

Preview:
The boss Alona Barkat has invested a considerable amount to bring Hapoel Beer Sheva back to top flight and now has kept the main players, hired a promising coach, Guy Azuri and expects the team make a good appearance in Ligat Ha´Al. With a dangerous attack with Lior Asulin and Ohad Kadusi plus Bangora with a technical midfield with players Mesika, Bunfeld and especially Melikson Beer Sheva promises to deliver some good football to its fans this season.
In defense, good keeper Trvtko Kale should keep the southerners safe while foreign duo Danilo Moreira and Pavel Pergl are expected to form a solid combination.

Prediction: 7th place-10th place

berko · Aug 16, 2009

HAPOEL RAMAT GAN

Titles:
--------------------------------------------
1 League Title

1 State Cup
--------------------------------------------
Season in European Competition: 1

Last Season: 4th place in Liga leumit

Stadium: “HaMackhtesh”

Capacity: 5,000

The club will have to host their home games on the stadium of their rivals Hakoach Ramat Gan, 8,000 Winter Stadium capacity since “haMachtesh” wasn´t approved to host LIgat Ha´Al games.
Coach: Yuval Naim

Squad:

Keepers:
Rafi Cohen, Itay Arkin

Defenders and Sidebacks:
Assi Domb, Golan Hermon, Eli Levi, Haim Malka, Kobi Mousa, Tamir Ben Ami, Hezi Dalmoni

Midfielders:
Ben Luz, Kobi Hasan, Beni Hadad, Shai Hadad, Hrevoje Kovacevic (CRO), William Soares (BRA), Carlos Chakana (ARG/ISR), Guy Shoost

Forwards and Strikers:
Serge Ayeley (IVC), George Datoru (NIG), Mor Golan, Omer Peretz, Amit Ohana

Preview:

After many seasons away from top flight Hapoel Ramat Gan returns trying to stay for many years. The team had a short period of success several years ago when won the State Cup and managed a spot in Uefa Cup.
For the upcoming season coach Yuval Naim bets on the experience of veteran and former Israeli NT keeper Rafi Cohen. Also at central defense Assi Domb who was part of Hapoel Tel Aviv´s big run in Europe some years ago is expected to guide the defensive ranks. Midfield appears to have quality as Ben Luz who didn´t have many chances at Hapoel Tel Aviv and Hrvoje Kovacevic who came from Bnei Yehuda are expected to assist good players upfront such as Omer Peretz and George Datoru.
The team has as its objective not to relegate, but with the current squad they could manage to stay a bit above of it.

Prediction: 11th place -14th place

Israeli Premier League 2009/2010

Who will win the title?

Maccabi Haifa

Beitar Jerusalem

Maccabi Tel Aviv

Hapoel Tel Aviv

Other

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