Maccabi Haifa Eyes Strong Finish Before Break, With Roster Changes Expected

Maccabi Haifa is set to host Hapoel Petah Tikva on Saturday, aiming to secure 12 out of a possible 15 points before the international break. The team is not underestimating their opponent, emphasizing their physicality and the threat posed by striker Kais Ghanem, who troubled Haifa's defenders in a previous Toto Cup match.

Coach Barak Bakhar is expected to make a single change to the lineup that defeated Ironi Kiryat Shmona. Kanga Gura is slated to return to the starting eleven on the left wing after two games on the bench, which will see Lior Refaelov move back to his natural attacking midfield position. Pedro Brazão is anticipated to make his debut at Sammy Ofer Stadium after a strong performance in his initial appearance for the club. Andrea Novaković, who had a subdued game against Kiryat Shmona, is expected to complete Bakhar's attacking front.

Guy Melamed might return to the squad after participating in recent training sessions, with a final decision pending today's concluding practice. However, it's noted that Silva Kani has been preferred over him thus far. Noam Steifman, who has been called up to the Israeli national team along with Omri Glazer, Yarin Levi, and Eitan Azulai, is expected to play in Saturday's match. He was trained intermittently alongside Lorenzo Rosi, with Sun Menachem shifting to left-back, though the prevailing assessment is that Bakhar will stick with the same back four from the last victory.

Maccabi Haifa stated ahead of the game, "We are in a process of improvement and connection, and we will try to bring the enthusiasm from the second half of the Kiryat Shmona match. Petah Tikva is a good, very aggressive team, and we need to be alert." The club issued a statement yesterday addressing fan protests and urging focus on encouragement. The "Green Crows" fan organization responded, noting their request for cheering equipment has not yet been answered.

Meanwhile, the club has been monitoring the debut of Dikson Muhammad for Hapoel Afula, who scored in front of his brother, Ali Muhammad. Dikson Muhammad may potentially join Maccabi Haifa next season. The projected lineup includes Omri Glazer; Ilai Tamam, Lorenzo Rosi, Sun Menachem, Kenny Saief; Ali Muhammad, Eitan Azulai, Lior Refaelov; Pedro Brazão, Kanga Gura, and Andrea Novaković.