Hapoel Kiryat Shmona Seeks Momentum After Striker's Departure

Hapoel Kiryat Shmona aims to extend their positive run when they face Hapoel Jerusalem on Saturday, following their first win of the season against Ironi Tiberias last week. The team will be without striker Adrian Ugrinic, who recently signed with Hapoel Be'er Sheva. Coach Shai Birman confirmed that Niv Gabay is expected to replace Ugrinic in the starting lineup, marking the only expected change to the team's formation.

Birman expressed satisfaction with the team's performance against Tiberias, noting improvements from their previous match against Maccabi Petah Tikva. He emphasized the need to maintain the same approach and principles against Hapoel Jerusalem, despite their recent losses. "Hapoel Jerusalem is a good team, we've watched them play many games, we've studied them and need to approach this game like any other and do everything to win," Birman stated.

Regarding Ugrinic's departure, Birman acknowledged the player's significant contributions, including scoring double-digit goals last season and starting the current season well. He stated, "It is an honor that Kiryat Shmona knows how to praise so many players. The moment there was a certain price tag that the club demanded, and Be'er Sheva paid it, we as a club could only wish him success. In football, there is no vacuum, we need to find solutions and we will."

The projected starting lineup includes Daniel Tannenbaum in goal, with a defense of Idan Weir, Shai Ben David, Nemanja Ljubisavljevic, and Itzik Shulmeister. The midfield will likely feature Alex Sola, Talis Costa, and Ariel Shachritski, while the forward line will consist of Amado Sanya, Roufat Abdulaziz, and Niv Gabay. Ovadiya Darwish, recovering from a groin injury, has returned to training but is unlikely to start over Weir.