Northern Division League A Matchday 16 Preview
The second half of the Northern Division in League A kicks off this weekend with an exciting lineup of matches. Seven games are scheduled for Friday, January 15, 2026, concluding with a significant clash between the league leaders, Maccabi Ahyi Nazareth, and the bottom team, Hapoel Umm al-Fahm, on Saturday.
Key Matchups
Maccabi Neve Shaanan vs. M.S. Tira
Date & Time: Friday, January 15, 12:40 PM
Location: Haifa Agritech
This matchup features two teams vying for the top positions in the league. M.S. Tira has the opportunity to close the gap with Neve Shaanan, sitting just start point behind should they secure a victory. Neve Shaanan recently strengthened their squad with the addition of Mohand Ryan, bolstering coach Omri Bitton’s lineup. Tira, under coach Gal Barashan, also boasts the talents of Salah Ammash, a key player they acquired from Baka al-Gharbiyeh. Currently, Neve Shaanan is in second place, needing a win to temporarily claim the top spot with 35 points. The home team remains undefeated this season at home, having conceded only three goals out of eleven. In contrast, Tira has only managed a 28% success rate this season on the road.
Hapoel Ironi Kiryat Shmona vs. Maccabi Atah Bialik
Date & Time: Friday, January 15, 11:45 AM
Location: Kiryat Shmona
This encounter is critical for both teams who are competing for the third position. Maccabi Atah Bialik trails Kiryat Shmona by just start point in the standings. Atah Bialik, now coached by Shlomi Dora, arrives from the third position, while Kiryat Shmona sits fourth. Bialik has experienced mixed success recently, recording start win and two draws against lower-table teams. Kiryat Shmona will look to leverage their home advantage, having lost only start match at home this season.
Maccabi Ahyi Nazareth vs. Hapoel Umm al-Fahm
Date & Time: Saturday, January 16, 2:30 PM
Location: Ilut Stadium, Nazareth
In an intriguing contrast, Maccabi Ahyi Nazareth sits at the top of the league, while Hapoel Umm al-Fahm is in last place. However, it should be noted that without their points deduction of 12, Umm al-Fahm would be competing in the mid-table as the 13th place team. Umar al-Fahm has shown resilience, proving capable of making pursuing teams struggle. Nazareth will need to be at their best to secure their 12th win of the season, despite their home form being less impressive with only five victories out of eleven matches. Umm al-Fahm has gained eight points away, having conceded 12 goals thus far.
Additional Matches
- Hapoel Tirat HaCarmel vs. Hapoel Umm al-Fahm (January 16, 10:30 AM, Tirat HaCarmel)
- M.K. Hapoel Tamra vs. Hapoel Beit Shan (January 16, 1:00 PM, Tamra)
- Ironi Nof Hagalil vs. Hapoel Bnei Mussmus (January 16, 1:00 PM, Nof Hagalil)
- Hapoel Baka al-Gharbiyah vs. Hapoel Migdal HaEmek (January 16, 1:00 PM, Synthetic in Baka al-Gharbiyah)
- Maccabi Nujidat vs. Hapoel Ironi Ar’abe (January 16, 2:00 PM, Bu’aynia Nujidat)
This weekend’s fixtures promise to deliver thrilling action as teams battle for points in their pursuit of league success. Fans can look forward to competitive encounters as the stakes continue to rise in League A.