New Signing Yannick Lellendal May Debut for Hapoel Tel Aviv

Hapoel Tel Aviv is set to host Hapoel Petah Tikva on Friday, with new acquisition Yannick Lellendal expected to be included in the squad for the first time. Despite not being at full match fitness, the club is leaning towards starting Lellendal, a defender, with plans to substitute him at halftime. The team will be without Stav Turel, who is suspended following a red card in the Tel Aviv derby, and Adrian Criev, who will not be registered due to the foreign player limit.

With Turel's absence, the coaching staff is considering tactical shifts. Options include moving Douglas Owusu to his natural right-wing position and starting Omri Altman, or keeping Owusu in the number 10 role and playing Roy Korin on the right wing. Coach Eliniv Barda views this match as a test for the team's locker room morale following a disappointing loss earlier in the week, emphasizing the need for players to show improved performance and avoid succumbing to disappointment.

The projected starting lineup includes Assaf Tzur in goal, with Marcus Coco, Fernand Mayembo, Chico, and Yannick Lellendal in defense. The midfield features Falcao, El Yam Kanzapolsky, and either Omri Altman or Roy Korin. The attacking line is expected to consist of Douglas Owusu, Emmanuel Boateng, and Roei Alkokin.