Preview
Although Beitar Jerusalem spent most of the season at the top of the table, they lost first place three rounds ago and are now chasing the leaders Hapoel Beer Sheva. With only two matches remaining, they sit two points behind Sheva and need their direct rival to drop points in one of the final rounds.
If both teams finish level on points, goal difference could become decisive. At the moment, Beitar Jerusalem trails by four goals, meaning they not only need victories, but also convincing performances to close the gap.
They now face an opponent with little left to play for. Hapoel Petah Tikva has looked mentally on vacation for quite some time, winning only one point in the last eight rounds (0-1-7) and has gone through a long winless stretch. However, the hosts announced an attacking approach and is expected to start with three strikers.
Beitar Jerusalem possesses the strongest attack in the league, but their aggressive style often leaves space defensively, which is exactly why their goal difference is currently worse than the leaders Hapoel Beer Sheva.