Maccabi Haifa Faces Tiberias Without Key Defenders, Pedro Returns

Maccabi Haifa will host Hapoel Ironi Tiberias on Saturday, aiming to secure 12 out of a possible 15 points before the international break. Coach Barak Bachar is expected to make changes to the lineup that defeated Ironi Kiryat Shmona. Kengi Gura will return to the starting eleven on the left wing, allowing Bruninho to play in his natural attacking midfield position. Defender "Tsunami" (Lorenzo") Melhado will miss the match due to groin sensitivity, with Noam Shtayfman likely to replace him in central defense. Striker "Kani" (Sila") is also out with a knee injury. Pedro Brazão is set to make his home debut after an impressive first appearance, and Guy Melamed returns to the squad after participating in recent training sessions. Andrea Novakovic is expected to complete the attack. The team's management urged fans to focus on supporting the team, amidst a reported protest by a fan group regarding the approval of cheering equipment. The club is also monitoring the progress of Dixon Mohammed, who scored on his debut for Hapoel Afula and could potentially join Maccabi Haifa next season. The team acknowledged Tiberias as a strong, aggressive opponent, emphasizing the need for alertness.