Petah Tikva Coach Tweaks Lineup for Beer Sheva Clash

Hapoel Petah Tikva has concluded preparations for their Sunday match against Hapoel Beer Sheva, with coach Omer Peretz expected to make two changes to the starting lineup. Stav Israeli is set to return to the defense in a three-center-back formation, while Avishai Cohen will continue on the right flank. Roey David, who came on as a substitute against Maccabi Haifa, will also rejoin the starting eleven, replacing the injured Frank Rolie. This tactical shift means Peretz will again opt to leave Shavit Mazal out of the starting team, effectively playing without a traditional striker. Either Klay, Kimbo, or David will play in the advanced role, a strategy the coach has not previously employed.

Beyond Mazal, who reportedly had offers from other clubs in the summer, including Beitar Jerusalem, but was not released by Petah Tikva, Guy Badash's standing has diminished. The midfielder, acquired from Hapoel Jerusalem, has not yet received a significant opportunity in the league and was not included in the squad for the last two games. Sources close to Badash indicate the club is signaling his departure.

In other team news, Ibrahima Konate from Ivory Coast is scheduled for medical tests and is expected to sign a one-year contract with an option for the club to purchase his rights from Ludogorets. Roey Zrihan or Itay Ben Shabbat are likely to replace Orall Dgani in the squad, as Dgani hopes to finalize his contract with MS Ashdod today. Under the agreement, the National League team will assume Dgani's entire contract and pay Petah Tikva approximately 150,000 shekels in compensation.

The anticipated starting lineup is: Omer Katz, Avishai Cohen, Stav Israeli, Diego Arroyo, Yazan Nasser, Boni Amin, Karim Kimbo, Tomer Altman, Roey David, and Klay.