ASA Tel Aviv University (w) vs Hapoel Raanana (w) on 15 January
ASA Tel Aviv University (w) will square off against Hapoel Raanana (w) on January 15th in what promises to be an electrifying Women’s Premier League clash. The match, set to take place at the ASA Tel Aviv Stadium, has significant implications for both teams, with ASA Tel Aviv aiming to consolidate their position near the top of the table, while Hapoel Raanana battles to secure points in a tightly contested middle pack. As the league season approaches its crucial stages, both teams will be desperate for a victory to fuel their ambitions.
ASA Tel Aviv University (w): Tactical Approach and Current Form
ASA Tel Aviv University (w) have been in exceptional form recently, securing four wins in their last five matches. Their high pressing game and intense work rate in midfield have been the hallmark of their recent successes. The team operates with a 4-3-3 formation, utilizing wide attacking play that is both direct and fluid. Full-backs overlap aggressively to provide width, allowing the wingers to cut inside and link up with the central striker. With 65% possession on average in their last five games, ASA’s style revolves around control and patience in build-up play, which has often seen them dominate the ball in the final third.
Defensively, ASA is solid, with an average of 2.5 tackles per game and a high press that forces turnovers in advanced areas. However, their vulnerability has been evident in counter-attacks, where they tend to get stretched when pushing forward in numbers. Their central defenders will need to be alert to the pace and quick transitions from Hapoel Raanana.
Key players to watch for ASA include midfielder Tami Ben David, whose passing range and vision make her the engine of their midfield. Forward Maya Cohen has been in red-hot form, scoring in three of the last four matches, making her the primary threat. However, ASA will be without right-back Yaara Schwartz, who is sidelined due to a hamstring injury. This could slightly disrupt their attacking rhythm from the flanks.
Hapoel Raanana (w): Tactical Approach and Current Form
Hapoel Raanana (w) have had an inconsistent run, winning only two of their last five games. They typically set up in a 4-4-2 formation, with a solid defensive block and a midfield that operates as a shield for their center-backs. The team’s key tactical feature is their ability to transition quickly from defense to attack, using direct balls to their wingers and striker, aiming to catch opponents off guard. Raanana's ability to win duels in midfield and disrupt possession is their strength, but they lack the same fluidity in build-up play as ASA Tel Aviv.
Raanana’s form has been buoyed by the excellent performances of forward Yarden Shitrit, whose clinical finishing and movement off the ball make her a dangerous player in the box. However, Hapoel’s key strength lies in their ability to exploit set-pieces, with Shira Ben David’s delivery from corners and free-kicks providing numerous goal-scoring opportunities.
Defensively, Raanana has been vulnerable to sustained possession-based attacks, conceding an average of 1.5 goals per game in their last five outings. The absence of central defender Liat Cohen due to suspension could leave them exposed at the back, particularly against ASA’s quick wingers.
Head-to-Head: History and Psychology
The last five encounters between ASA Tel Aviv University (w) and Hapoel Raanana (w) have been fiercely contested, with ASA winning three and Raanana taking two. The psychological battle will be key here, as ASA’s recent dominance gives them a slight edge. However, Hapoel Raanana's 2-1 victory in the last match between the two sides suggests that ASA's defensive vulnerabilities can be exploited. In these encounters, it has been clear that Raanana thrives on the counter, while ASA struggles against teams that can disrupt their tempo and press high. The result of this match could well come down to who dictates the pace.
Key Battles and Critical Zones
One key battle will be on the flanks, where ASA’s wingers will face off against the Raanana full-backs. Maya Cohen’s pace and dribbling ability will test Raanana’s defense, but with their full-backs providing defensive support, this duel will determine how much space ASA can create in wide areas. Another crucial area is the midfield, where ASA’s Tami Ben David will look to outmaneuver Raanana’s central duo. If Ben David can control the tempo of the match, ASA will have a major advantage, but if Raanana can disrupt her passing and break up possession, they could stifle ASA’s attacking threat.
The battle in the air will also be pivotal. With Raanana’s strength in set-pieces, ASA’s defenders will have to be sharp in marking and clearing balls from dangerous areas. Set-piece delivery will be a key area where Raanana could exploit ASA’s occasionally shaky defensive organization.
Match Scenario and Prediction
The most likely scenario for this match is a game of contrasting styles. ASA will dominate possession, looking to break down Raanana with quick passing combinations and fluid attacking play. On the other hand, Hapoel Raanana will look to absorb pressure and hit ASA on the counter, relying on Shitrit’s pace and the aerial threat from set-pieces. With ASA’s defense vulnerable to pace and quick transitions, Raanana will be hoping to capitalize on these weaknesses.
Given ASA’s strong attacking form and overall superiority in possession, they are the favorites to win. However, the absence of Schwartz and their susceptibility to counters could make this a tighter contest than anticipated. A 2-1 victory for ASA Tel Aviv University (w) seems the most probable outcome, but the match will undoubtedly be competitive.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, this match will be a fascinating tactical battle between ASA’s possession-based attacking style and Raanana’s solid defensive setup combined with quick transitions. Key battles in wide areas and set-pieces will determine the outcome, with both teams having clear strengths and weaknesses. The performance of ASA’s creative midfield and the ability of Raanana’s defenders to hold firm will likely be decisive.
This match will answer one key question: Can ASA’s dominant possession game break down Raanana’s defense, or will the visitors capitalize on counter-attacks to cause an upset? With everything to play for, the stakes couldn’t be higher.
