Maccabi Netanya Coach Weighs Defensive Options Ahead of Hapoel Ramat Gan Clash

Maccabi Netanya, still undefeated in the league this season, faces newly promoted Hapoel Ramat Gan on Monday. Coach Roni Levi expressed that Ramat Gan is playing well despite their last-place standing, attributing their position to bad luck rather than poor performance.

Netanya will be without midfielder Maor Levi due to a knee injury requiring several days of rest. Bassam Zaroura is expected to start in his place, despite not being fully fit. Levi's main defensive dilemma involves choosing between Amit Cohen and Kareem Jaber for a starting spot. Alon Azugi is set to start at right-back after a strong showing as a substitute.

Forward Dolev Haziza missed training with a sore throat but is determined to be available for the match. Roni Levi also tested Dor Hugi in the starting lineup during training, potentially to motivate Mateusz Dabrowski to increase pressure on opposing defenders.

William Cyprien, who reportedly received an offer from Ironi Tiberias, has returned to Israel after a brief trip to France for his wife's childbirth. He is reportedly seeking three months' salary to terminate his contract and become a free agent. The club's CEO, Gil Lev, is abroad, managing negotiations remotely. Israeli winger Isaac is expected to arrive for a medical examination by Monday.

The team is also seeking a midfielder and a defender, with potential signings to be made in the winter transfer window if no additions are made now. Defender Saba Khodzhiani will undergo an MRI within 24 hours after sustaining an injury to the same knee he previously injured, reportedly after a ball struck his leg awkwardly.

Owner Ruslan Khasin has approved the team staying at a hotel before the game, citing concerns about holiday traffic and a desire to foster a more professional atmosphere. The projected starting lineup includes Samuel Silva, Alon Azugi, Bakary Konte, Beny Feldman, Kareem Jaber (or Amit Cohen), Aziz Watara, Bassam Zaroura, Nadav Nidam, Dolev Haziza (or Dor Hugi), Oz Bilo, and Mateusz Dabrowski.