ByDanny Caro, Danny Caro
Olim League leaders MS Bambi will be looking to extend their lead at the top when they take on title rivals Modiin as we look ahead to the latest round of action in Israel.
MODIIN vs MS BAMBI
A mouth-watering clash is on the cards on Saturday night as pace-setters Bambi take on nearest rivals Modiin. Both teams have the same goal difference of +9, but Bambi will be going into the encounter with a one-point advantage.
Modiin’s danger man, Omri Enckaou, will be looking to add to his tally of five goals in five games - a record that he shares with Bambis hotshot Aviv Zemer.
Home advantage could be a key factor for Modiin who will be looking to preserve their unbeaten record in front of their fans, but Bambi are yet to taste defeat on their travels so it appears the fans are in for an early Chanukah treat.
In terms of discipline, only Adi Meituri from Modiin has made it into the referee's notebook this season - receiving two yellow cards - whereas four players have got cards so far for Bambi including a red card for Aviv Zemer.
Five teams are within a three-point margin of Modiin and the Green Army could find themselves third by the end of the night if Modiin lose and Ashdod win. Ignoring the stats for a minute, Bambi will expect to take maximum points by a comfortable margin.
Looking ahead to the game, Bambi boss Yoni Sarig said: "It'll be a super hard game on Saturday night - an away game against the second in the table. We are preparing for the game physically and mentally all week and we are planning to play our game and give everything on the pitch. We hope to return with three points.
"We believe in ourselves and see every game as winnable. We understand the importance of this game and hope to eventually make another step towards winning the title at the end of the season."
Modiin boss Jamie Lazarus said: "The Modiin players and management are very much looking forward to this game. We know we are the underdogs, but we have done our homework on MS Bambi and hope that we can come away with a victory.
Danger man: Bar Bloomberg (Bambi)
Prediction: Bambi 7 Modiin 2
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JAFFA vs ASHDOD
Elsewhere a rejuvenated Jaffa team, bolstered by summer signing Josh Silverberg, will host an Ashdod team who mauled Athletico last week.
Danger man: Shlomi Toubul
Prediction: Jaffa 1 Ashdod 2
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ENGLAND FC vs RAANANA
England will host a young Raanana side, with a new signing in their ranks. Luca Moresco linked up with the squad this week and if he partners with Adam Jaffe up front, it will be the deadliest partnership the league has seen.
Danger man: Luca Moresco (England)
Predicition: 3-3
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JERUSALEM vs AVIV
Goals are guanranteed when Jerusalem hosts Aviv. Jerusalem have scored 21 goals so far, compared to Aviv's 19.
Danger man: Zack Lewis (Jerusalem)
Prediction: Jerusalem 4 Aviv 3