Maccabi Haifa Coach Bakhar to Debut Novakovic, Mohammed in Starting XI

Maccabi Haifa aims to rebound from a loss to Maccabi Tel Aviv when they host Hapoel Petah Tikva on Saturday, seeking to return to winning ways. Coach Barak Bakhar is still experimenting with his team's core lineup and is expected to make several changes to the starting eleven.

Captain Tjaronn Chery, who has struggled to justify the significant faith placed in him, is likely to be benched. Meanwhile, Iyad Habashi and Yarin Mordechai are contenders for starting spots. Silva Kani is also expected to be replaced, with new signing Andrija Novakovic slated to make his first start for Bakhar's squad. High expectations are placed on Novakovic, with hopes he can deliver offensively, unlike in his recent seasons in Italy.

Ali Mohamed will start in midfield after providing impactful performances as a substitute in the last two games. The coaching staff values Yarin Levi, and a decision is pending on whether Mohamed or Levi will start. Another potential change involves Kenny Saief, who might move to central defense. This could happen if Tsunami (likely referring to a player named Tsunami or a nickname) is moved from defense to the center, freeing up the wing position for Saief.

"We need to lose as few points as possible until we find the right system and the best lineup to run with, and then we'll make minor changes," a source within Maccabi Haifa stated. "This squad has the potential to perform well, especially with the addition of a right-winger who will arrive soon."