Beitar vs Maccabi AI Betting Tips
Beitar Jerusalem vs Maccabi Tel Aviv: match preview
Teddy Stadium in Jerusalem hosts a true Ligat Ha’al heavyweight meeting on 2026-02-16 (18:30 UTC). Beitar Jerusalem come in with a reputation for front-foot football at home, while Maccabi Tel Aviv arrive with momentum after a managerial change that has quickly sharpened their results and, just as importantly for bettors, their chance creation.
This is Round 23 and it matters: points now shape the title picture and the championship group seeding. Expect a high-tempo Israeli top-flight game where both sides push to impose their style rather than settle.
Odds check: what the market is saying
The 1X2 prices lean slightly to the visitors:
Home win 2.75 | Draw 3.75 | Away win 2.35
Those odds suggest Maccabi are rated marginally stronger, but not dominant—exactly the type of setup where volatility (goals, momentum swings, late drama) can decide the bet.
Best bet: goals look more reliable than 1X2
NerdyTips’ main angle points to goals rather than picking a winner: Over 2.5 goals (odds 1.45), confidence 4.4/10.
That confidence isn’t “max”, but the statistical fit is clear:
Why Over 2.5 makes sense
League baseline: Over 2.5 lands in 47.2% of Ligat Ha’al games across the last four years—roughly a coin flip.
Team profiles: Beitar matches go Over 2.5 in 60.1% of their sample, and Maccabi in 57.4%. Both are well above the league average.
Recent form: Beitar have seen Over 2.5 in 6 of their last 10; Maccabi also 6 of their last 10.
BTTS support: Both teams scored occurs in 57.6% of Beitar games and 53.9% of Maccabi games (league average 48.7%), which often pairs nicely with an Over 2.5 position.
In short: the league can be unpredictable, but these two tend to play matches that open up.
Score predictions: why a draw is on the table
The model’s 1X2 lean is X (Draw) at 3.75, though with a low trust level (2.0). Still, it matches the broader league pattern: draws sit at 26.2% historically, and both teams carry similar draw rates in long samples (Beitar 21.5%, Maccabi 21.6%). When two top sides meet with attacking intent, a “trading goals” scenario often ends level.
Projected scoreline: 2:2
Half-time lean: 1:1
That aligns with the Over 2.5 tip: an early goal changes the in-play market quickly, and both sides have shown they can respond after conceding.
Style notes that matter for betting
Beitar have been playing proactive football—pressing, attacking wide, and trying to overwhelm opponents with volume. That approach is entertaining, but it can also leave space behind the full-backs, especially if the game becomes stretched.
Maccabi, meanwhile, have looked more direct recently, with quicker transitions and a clearer plan to attack space. For bettors, that combination often produces: more shots in the box, more set-piece pressure, and more “momentum phases” where goals come in clusters.
Interesting team facts (no player dependence)
Beitar at Teddy tends to be emotional and fast-paced—when they start well, the match can turn into a wave of attacks.
Maccabi Tel Aviv usually travel with a “win-first” mindset, and when they score early, they’re comfortable turning the match into a controlled, efficient performance.
Their recent head-to-heads have also shown that reputations don’t guarantee outcomes—surprises happen, and that’s why goals markets can be safer than picking a side.
Betting takeaway
If you want the most data-aligned angle, the match profiles point to Over 2.5 goals at 1.45 as the practical play, with 2:2 as a reasonable script for how it gets there. The draw at 3.75 is tempting for value hunters, but it’s a higher-variance position.
For more big-match content, you can also browse Champions League tips and betting predictions.
If you are interested in other leagues, check our Super Liga Serbia football predictions.