Maccabi Tel Aviv Eyes Perfect Start Against Netanya With Key Player's Return

Maccabi Tel Aviv is set to host Maccabi Netanya on Saturday, aiming to maintain their perfect record in the league following a derby win. The team is expected to field the same lineup that defeated Hapoel Tel Aviv earlier in the week, with club sources indicating satisfaction with the current performance and lack of player fatigue. Sagiv Yehezkel, who has returned to full training, will be available for selection but is not anticipated to start.

Maccabi Tel Aviv is currently managing the absence of two foreign players due to injury: Christian Balic and Jhon Nicolescu. This situation limits the team to using only six foreign players in the squad for the foreseeable future. The return of Nicolescu in the near future is expected to bolster the offense, with another forward potentially arriving later to replace the departed Said Abufarchi, who has moved to the United States. Balic's eventual return will also alleviate pressure on central defender Iyad Kusek.

The projected starting lineup for Maccabi Tel Aviv includes Ofek Malika in goal, with James Tavernier, Raz Shlomo, Aliou Cissé, and Noam Ben Harush in defense. The midfield is expected to feature Iyad Kusek, Gabi Kanyukovsky, and Dor Peretz, supporting a forward line of Hilo Varela, Osher Davida, and Ester Sukler.