Maccabi Haifa Eyes Recovery Against Hapoel Petah Tikva With Potential Lineup Changes

Maccabi Haifa is preparing for a crucial match against Hapoel Petah Tikva, aiming to rebound from a recent 3-1 defeat to Maccabi Tel Aviv. Coach Barak Bakhar was reportedly displeased with his team's performance, particularly in the first half of the loss, and is expected to make at least two changes to the starting lineup.

Ali Mohamed is anticipated to replace Yarin Levi, and new signing Andrea Novakovic is set to make his debut in the starting eleven, taking the place of Silva Kani. Bakhar is also deliberating over two other positions and the team's tactical formation. Previously, Maccabi Haifa employed a flexible system, defending with four players and attacking with Jallow Battai pushing into midfield to create numerical advantages.

For the upcoming game, Bakhar is considering a 5-3-2 formation. In this scenario, Iyad Halaily might start instead of Battai, with Bruninho joining Novakovic upfront, and Kenny Saief playing in midfield. Another point of consideration is the left-winger position, where both captain Kenji Gorre and Cedric Don were practiced in the final training session, neither having impressed significantly thus far. Yair Mordechai, who had a positive impact as a substitute against Maccabi Tel Aviv, is again expected to start on the bench.

Guy Melamed, Maccabi Haifa's top scorer last season, will be available on the bench after missing the last two squad selections and is expected to get his first league minutes of the season. Coach Bakhar has emphasized the need for aggression and tactical discipline against their opponents. The team is hoping for strong crowd support, similar to a previous game against Hapoel Ramat Gan, which helped secure a vital three points.

The projected starting lineup includes Omri Glazer in goal; Iyad Halaily (or Jallow Battai), Nigel Lonwijk, Pedro, and Sunami in defense; Ali Mohamed, Eitan Azulai, and Bruninho in midfield; and Kenny Saief, Cedric Don (or Kenji Gorre), and Andrea Novakovic in attack.