Maccabi Haifa Fans Protest Past Incidents Ahead of Jerusalem Match

Maccabi Haifa is set to play against Hapoel Jerusalem at Teddy Stadium on Monday evening, with approximately 1,000 fans expected to attend. This turnout comes amid a protest by fan organizations and the general public due to past incidents at the stadium. A club representative stated, "Of course, we would like to see the stands at Teddy painted green, but the safety and feelings of the fans are more important. We will have to entertain those who come to the game and those who watch us on television."

Coach Barak Bakhar will not change the starting lineup from the team's victory over Ironi Tiberias before the international break. The attack will feature Andrea Novković, who excelled in the last match, Pedro Brazão, Kangi Khura, and Bruninho, who will support them. The focus will be on the defensive midfield, comprising Ali Mohamed and Eitan Azulai. These two, having played together and recently participated in national team matches, are tasked with preventing Hapoel Jerusalem from creating one-on-one opportunities against center-backs Nigel Lonwijk and Noam Shtayfman. The team's defense has been a weakness this season, and they hope to improve it starting with this game.

Without the new signing Eli Dasa, Yalla Batay will continue at right-back, with Kenny Saief covering the other flank. Yarin Levy, who started the season in the lineup, is expected to get significant minutes coming off the bench, though he was considered for a starting role until the final training session. A club statement ahead of the match noted, "After the break, we need to find the formula. We achieved a winning streak and need to continue from where we left off. Hapoel Jerusalem is an attacking and good team, but we have our own goals."

The projected starting lineup includes Omri Glazer in goal, Yalla Batay, Noam Shtayfman, Nigel Lonwijk, and Kenny Saief in defense. The midfield will consist of Ali Mohamed, Bruninho, and Eitan Azulai, with Kangi Khura, Andrea Novković, and Pedro Brazão leading the attack.