Hapoel Haifa Aims to Extend Momentum Against Beitar Jerusalem

Hapoel Haifa is looking to maintain their positive momentum in their upcoming match against Beitar Jerusalem on Saturday, following their first win of the season and an undefeated streak in the first four league games. Head coach Haim Silvas has decided to stick with the same starting lineup that played in their recent draw against Maccabi Netanya and subsequent victory over Sakhnin, based on the players' physical data. William Agada, who had a minor muscle issue, has returned to full training and will be available for selection.

Despite Hapoel Haifa's favorable historical statistics against Beitar Jerusalem, Silvas acknowledged that Saturday's game will be a different challenge. He noted that Beitar Jerusalem is also in good form and has found their rhythm. Silvas emphasized the importance of closing down spaces for Beitar's Omer Atzili and highlighted the wing players as crucial to the game's outcome. He expressed confidence in his team's ability to exploit Beitar's weaknesses while focusing on their own strengths and the support of their home crowd.

Meanwhile, there has been criticism in Haifa regarding the decision not to include Yoad Gonen in the youth national team. "It's hard to understand how he is being ignored," one comment stated. The projected starting lineup for Hapoel Haifa includes Yoav Gerafi, Noam Cohen, Dario Zupearic, Ivan Kritzak, Ariel Mendi, Keita, Naor Sabag, Yoad Gonen, Liran Rotman, Wahib Khabbiballah, and Alon Turgeman.