Hapoel Haifa Aims to Rebound Against Maccabi Petah Tikva

Hapoel Haifa, currently seventh in the league, will host Maccabi Petah Tikva on Saturday, seeking to return to winning ways after their first loss of the season, a 2-1 defeat to Beitar Jerusalem before the international break. Coach Chaim Silvas intends to maintain continuity in the lineup that secured a 4-3 friendly win against Hapoel Tel Aviv a week prior. The primary change expected is the return of Chiké Kaita, who was playing for Mali's U-23 national team. This return likely means Chikana Diakité, who impressed in the friendly, will make his starting debut for Hapoel Haifa alongside Alon Turgeman and Liran Rotman. Yead Gonen will be absent from the squad due to suspension.

Additionally, injured players William Agada and Tal Ne'im will not be available for the match. Ariel Mendi is recovering from a calf strain and, despite participating in a full training session on Friday, will undergo a fitness test shortly before the game to determine his availability. If Mendi is unable to start, Noam Cohen is on standby to play on the left wing.

Before the game, the Haifa team will observe a moment of silence in memory of Captain Eliab Haim Tzaflemus, a fan of the club and a former player in its youth division, who fell in southern Lebanon. The projected starting lineup includes Yoav Zrapi; Dor Malul, Dario Župarić, Ivan Kritsak, Noam Cohen (or Ariel Mendi); Naoor Sabag, Chiké Kaita, Shay Elias; Chikana Diakité, Alon Turgeman, Liran Rotman.