Maccabi Haifa Optimistic Despite Underdog Status Against Maccabi Tel Aviv

Maccabi Haifa is heading into their match against Maccabi Tel Aviv with optimism, despite acknowledging their underdog status. Coach Barak Bakhar noted the team's historical struggles at Bloomfield Stadium but highlighted that four players in the expected lineup will be experiencing this fixture for the first time. These players include Tsunami, Nigel Lonwijk, Bruninho, and Yarin Levi, who previously played for Beitar Jerusalem and secured wins against Maccabi Tel Aviv at Bloomfield.

Bakhar stated that while commentators may label them as underdogs, the team's duty is to perform as prepared. The team is drawing confidence from their dominant first half against Hapoel Ramat Gan in the previous week, where they controlled the game and created chances. Bakhar is expected to maintain the same starting lineup as the last match, meaning Ali Mohamed and Andrea Novakovic will likely start on the bench.

Guy Melamed will miss the game due to a calf muscle issue, as will Adam Grimberg from the youth team. Other players like Iyade Halaily, Cedric D'On, and Yair Mordechai are also awaiting their opportunity. Maccabi Haifa is looking to their captain, Kenji Ohura, for an improved performance and better synergy with Bruninho on the wing, as Tsunami is less inclined to join offensive plays. The projected starting lineup features Omri Glazer in goal, Yalla Betay, Nigel Lonwijk, Pedrao, and Tsunami in defense; Yarin Levi, Eitan Azulai, and Bruninho in midfield; and Kenji Ohura, Silva Kani, and Dean David up front.