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 addressed this perception in a press conference, noting the team's historical struggles at Bloomfield Stadium. However, he emphasized that the current squad includes four players experiencing this fixture for the first time, suggesting past statistics may not be relevant.

"Commentators can say we are the underdog, our duty is to come to the game and do what we prepared for," Bakhar stated. 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 numerous chances.

Bakhar is expected to field the same starting lineup as the last match, meaning key players like Ali Mohamed and striker Andra Novakovic will likely start on the bench. Guy Melamed will miss the game due to a calf issue, as will Adam Grimberg from the youth team. Other players like Iyad Hallaili, 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, especially since Tsunami is less inclined to join offensive plays. The expected lineup includes Omri Glazer in goal, Yile Battai, Nigel Lonwijk, Pedrao, and Tsunami in defense. Yarin Levi, Eitan Azulai, and Bruninho will form the midfield, with Kenji Ohura, Silva Kani, and Kenji Ohura leading the attack.