Hapoel Be'er Sheva Faces Midfield Shuffle Amid Injuries and Suspensions

Hapoel Be'er Sheva is set to field an improvised midfield in their upcoming match against Hapoel Petah Tikva on Sunday, with midfielder Niv Yehoshua expected to play in a deeper role. Yehoshua, who has previously played in more advanced midfield positions for both Maccabi Petah Tikva and Hapoel Be'er Sheva, will be moved back due to the injury of Lucas Ventura and the red card received by Eliel Peretz.

Peretz, who often plays as a defensive midfielder for the Israeli national team under Ran Ben Shimon, is unavailable for Hapoel Be'er Sheva coach Ran Kochav for the match at Moshavah Stadium following the Rosh Hashanah holiday. This absence, coupled with Ventura's injury, necessitates the tactical shift.

Additionally, Ghanaian midfielder Amankwaa Forson is anticipated to make his first start for the team. Forson, who came on as a substitute against Maccabi Tel Aviv, is primarily a midfielder but can also play on the wing. The club intends for him to be part of the central midfield trio.

The third midfield spot will be decided between Zahy Ahmed and Hamudi Kanaan. In defense, the knee injury sustained by Itay Rotman will force Kochav to adjust his center-back pairings. Miguel Vitor, Idan Nahmias, Matan Baltaxa, and Jibril Djop are all candidates to start.

The team also hopes for the return of Igor Zlatanovic from injury to gain some playing time, though his starting status is uncertain. Hapoel Be'er Sheva faces a demanding schedule, playing three matches in six days against Hapoel Petah Tikva, Dinamo Zagreb, and Ironi Kiryat Shmona.