Maccabi Haifa Coach Baruch Bakhar to Make Lineup Changes Against Hapoel Petah Tikva

Maccabi Haifa is set to host Hapoel Petah Tikva on Saturday, aiming to rebound from a recent loss to Maccabi Tel Aviv. Coach Baruch Bakhar is expected to make several changes to the starting lineup as he continues to search for the optimal team composition for the season.

Captain Kanga Kude is likely to be benched due to his current performance not meeting expectations, with Iyad Hallaili and Yair Mordechai vying for his spot. Also expected to be replaced in the starting XI is Silva Kani, making way for Andrea Novakovich, who is anticipated to debut in Bakhar's starting lineup. High expectations are placed on Novakovich to contribute offensively, a contrast to his recent seasons in Italy.

Ali Muhammad is slated to start in midfield after providing impactful performances as a substitute in the last two games. The coaching staff is also considering Yarin Levi, and a final decision on who starts alongside Muhammad in midfield will be made before Saturday's match.

Further adjustments may see Kenny Saief shift from defense to midfield, potentially filling in at center-back if Tsunami, who has struggled at full-back, is moved to a different role. "We need to lose as few points as possible until the best system and lineup are found, and then we will make minor changes," a source within Maccabi Haifa stated. "We have a squad that can perform well, plus a right-winger who will arrive soon."