Hapoel Ironi Tiberias Aims for Upset Against Maccabi Haifa

Hapoel Ironi Tiberias is set to face Maccabi Haifa on Saturday evening, aiming to continue their strong start to the season. The team, widely predicted to be relegated, is drawing encouragement from their early performance and harbors optimism about achieving a positive result against the favored Haifa squad.

Key lineup changes are expected for Tiberias. Midfielder Daniel Golani, on loan from Maccabi Haifa, will return to the starting lineup, replacing Ari Cohen. Guy Senker, who played as a left winger in the last match, will shift to the right wing, with Mansour Badji moving to midfield. Bar Cohen, who served a suspension, is back in the squad, and Armenian striker Arthur Miranyan, who debuted against Hapoel Jerusalem, is expected to get playing time.

Tiberias coach Alon Ziv acknowledged the challenge, stating, "We are coming off a good start to the season, but we understand that Maccabi Haifa at Sammy Ofer is a different opera." He emphasized the need for focus, discipline, and precision against a high-tempo, high-intensity opponent. "However, we are not just coming to defend. We want to express our qualities, play our football, and create chances. We believe in ourselves and know that if we execute what we've worked on correctly, we can achieve a good result at Sammy Ofer."

Defender Ziv Morgan added, "When you come to Sammy Ofer to play against Maccabi Haifa, you know in advance that you need to raise your level." He stressed the importance of concentration, commitment, and tactical discipline, noting that "in games like these, every mistake can be significant." Morgan also stated the team's ambition, "We come to every game to win, and that doesn't change because of the opponent or the stadium. We will come with a lot of heart, motivation, and belief, and we will do everything to return from Sammy Ofer with three points."

A projected starting lineup includes Idan Sharon, Guy Senker, Ron Unger, Ondrej Baco, Ziv Morgan, Daniel Golani, Chris Caco, Eden Shamir, Mansour Badji, Nana Gambel, and Keis Ghanem.