Maccabi Haifa vs SC Ashdod Prediction & Betting Tips (15 September)

Maccabi Haifa returns to Sammy Ofer Stadium on September 15 with momentum and a mission. The Greens are fresh off a commanding 4-0 win over Maccabi Bnei Raina, a result that reaffirmed their attacking prowess and defensive discipline. Under the guidance of coach Messay Dego, Haifa has shown tactical flexibility, often shifting between a high-press 4-3-3 and a more compact 4-2-3-1 depending on the opponent. Key players like Dean David and Tjaronn Chery have been instrumental in orchestrating attacks, while goalkeeper Itamar Nitzan continues to anchor a backline that has conceded just once in their last five outings.

SC Ashdod, meanwhile, arrives with a mix of grit and unpredictability. Their recent 1-2 loss to Bnei Sakhnin exposed some defensive frailties, but victories over Hapoel Jerusalem and a penalty shootout win against Bnei Sakhnin earlier in August suggest resilience. Coach Ran Ben Shimon has leaned on a youthful squad, with midfielder Yaakov Brihon and forward Mohammad Kna'an emerging as bright spots. Ashdod’s away form remains inconsistent, and their last visit to Haifa ended in a 1-2 defeat, a scoreline that echoes our prediction for this upcoming clash.

Historically, Maccabi Haifa has dominated this fixture, winning four of the last five meetings and averaging three goals per game against Ashdod. However, the March 2025 upset—where Ashdod stunned Haifa 2-1 on their own turf—serves as a cautionary tale. Haifa will be keen to avoid complacency, especially with Ashdod’s tendency to strike on the counter. Expect Haifa to control possession and tempo, while Ashdod looks to exploit transitional moments with pace and directness.

With both teams eager to climb the Ligat ha'Al standings, the stakes are high. Haifa sits second, unbeaten in the league so far, while Ashdod hovers mid-table with a win and a loss. The home crowd, tactical edge, and recent form favor Maccabi Haifa, but Ashdod’s unpredictability ensures this won’t be a walkover. A 2-1 scoreline in favor of Haifa feels just right—balanced, realistic, and reflective of the current dynamics.