Beitar Jerusalem Plans Increased Role for Jordan Shua

Beitar Jerusalem is preparing to face Maccabi Petah Tikva at Bloomfield Stadium, aiming to build on recent momentum. Coach Almog Cohen will be without Nana Antwi, who is expected back for the next match against Hapoel Haifa, and Yarden Cohen, who will return after the international break. A key decision involves gradually reintegrating Yarden Shua into the lineup. Cohen acknowledged that Shua was played while not fully fit, hindering his performance compared to last season. Consequently, Shua will not start but is slated to receive significant playing time, more than the brief appearance in stoppage time of the previous game. "With the right work, Jordan will return to being what we saw last year," Cohen stated.

Cohen is expected to make one tactical change, with Luka Gadrani replacing Liel Deri in central defense. Adi Yona will be included in the squad. Ravid Abergil has been excluded from the squad for today's game, with the club informing him he is not in their plans and is expected to find a new team. Beitar Jerusalem expressed satisfaction with the loan of Ori Azoulay, with the coaching staff emphasizing their goal to purchase the player permanently at the end of the season, though this depends on various factors. Azoulay is anticipated to provide attacking flair from the wing, and Cohen has a track record of eliciting strong performances from players that other coaches have struggled with.

A projected starting lineup includes Miguel Silva, Roy Eliyahu, Luka Gadrani, Brian Carby, Timothy Muzi, Boris Ino, Daniel Worku, Tomer Yossefi, Omer Atzili, Eugene Ansah, and Sean Weissman.