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, while Yarden Cohen will return after the international break.

A key decision by Cohen involves gradually reintegrating Yarden Shua into the team. The coach 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 change to the starting lineup, with Luka Gadranai 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.

The club expressed satisfaction with the loan of Ori Azoulay, with the coaching staff emphasizing their goal to purchase the player at the end of the season, though this is contingent on various factors. Azoulay is expected 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, Roei Eliyahu, Luka Gadranai, Brian Carby, Timothy Musi, Boris Ino, Daniel Worku, Tomer Yossefi, Omer Atzili, Eugene Ansah, and Sean Weissman.