Maccabi Haifa Faces Tiberias Amidst Squad Changes and Fan Concerns

Maccabi Haifa is set to host Ironi Tiberias on Saturday, aiming to secure 12 out of a possible 15 points before the international break. Coach Barak Bakhar is expected to make several lineup adjustments. Kangi Gora will return to the starting eleven on the left wing, shifting Bruninho to an attacking midfield role. Pedro Brazão is slated to make his home debut after an impressive first appearance.

Defender Sunami will miss the match due to groin sensitivity, with Noam Steifman likely to replace him in central defense. Guy Melamed and Pedro Brazão are back in the squad after training participation, though Silva Kani is sidelined with knee pain. Steifman, along with Omri Glazer, Yarin Levi, and Eitan Azulay, has been called up to the Israeli national team.

The club has addressed recent fan protests, urging supporters to focus on cheering. The "Green Apes" fan organization responded, stating they are awaiting approval for fan equipment and will cheer if it's permitted. Meanwhile, Maccabi Haifa is monitoring Dixon Mohamed, who scored on his debut for Hapoel Afula and could potentially join the club next season.

Maccabi Haifa's projected starting lineup includes Glazer; Betay, Lonwick, Steifman, Saiff; Ali Mohamed, Azulay, Bruninho; Brazão, Gora, and Novacović. The team acknowledges Tiberias as a strong, aggressive opponent, emphasizing the need for alertness.