Maccabi Haifa Prepares for Kiryat Shmona Clash with New Signing

Maccabi Haifa is gearing up for their upcoming match against Kiryat Shmona, aiming to build on their recent 2-1 home victory over Hapoel Petah Tikva. The team is set to feature Portuguese winger Pedro Brazão in the starting lineup for his debut, following his impressive performances in training. Club officials expressed excitement about Brazão's potential, noting, "We were missing a dribbler, another player who can decide a game with an action." They are particularly looking forward to seeing him and Brazilian midfielder Bruninho collaborate on the field.

Meanwhile, the status of another player, Pedrão, remains uncertain. He might be excluded from the squad for the Kiryat Shmona game. Tsunami is expected to partner with Nigel Lonwijk in central defense, while Kenny Saief, who has been playing as a right winger, is slated to play as a left-back. Pedrão's future with the club is in doubt until the transfer window closes on Wednesday. If Maccabi Haifa manages to sign another foreign player before the deadline, the Brazilian is likely to be the one to depart.

Coach Barak Bakhar is not expected to make significant changes to the rest of the starting eleven. He plans to maintain the midfield trio of Ali Mohamed, Eitan Azulay, and Bruninho, with Andrija Novakovich leading the attack. Cédric D'Un will likely continue on the left wing, while Kangi Gura, who did not play in the last match, will need to prove his worth after an unconvincing start to the season in the opening two rounds.