Hapoel Tel Aviv Prepares for Toto Cup Final Amidst Squad Concerns
Translated & summarized from Sport5 by baba
Hapoel Tel Aviv is preparing for the Toto Cup final against Maccabi Tel Aviv with a depleted squad due to injuries. Coach Eliniv Barda's main concern is the midfield selection, balancing the return of Adrian Cruyff from suspension with the strong form of El Yam Kancepolsky. The team aims to avoid the mistakes of their last derby loss and secure a trophy against their rivals.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Hapoel Tel Aviv faces rivals Maccabi Tel Aviv in the Toto Cup final on Thursday.
- Coach Eliniv Barda is dealing with injuries to key players Stav Turel and Emmanuel Boateng.
- The primary lineup decision involves Adrian Cruyff returning from suspension versus the in-form El Yam Kancepolsky.
- The team is focused on maintaining discipline and avoiding emotional reactions during the match.
- Hapoel Tel Aviv lost the previous derby 4-1 but disputes the scoreline's accuracy.
Hapoel Tel Aviv, under coach Eliniv Barda, is gearing up for the Tel Aviv derby in the Toto Cup final on Thursday. This match holds extra prestige as a trophy is on the line, with the team eager to win against their arch-rivals. Barda faces a depleted squad, as injured players Stav Turel and Emmanuel Boateng have not yet returned to training and will miss the final. They are also doubtful for the upcoming match against Maccabi Haifa due to the tight schedule.
In the attack, Barda is expected to field the same trio that scored against Hapoel Jerusalem: Daniel Dapa, Omri Altman, and Roey Alkukin, who replaced Turel in the second half. Douglas Owusu will also join them.
The main lineup dilemma for Barda revolves around the midfield. Adrian Cruyff, returning from suspension, is available, but the coaching staff is pleased with El Yam Kancepolsky's performances in recent starts. Given the intense schedule ahead, including games against Maccabi Tel Aviv, Maccabi Haifa, and Hapoel Be'er Sheva, the team is considering rotating players to give Cruyff, who has missed several games, a starting opportunity.
Barda does not practice a fixed lineup, so the final decision will be made on game day. Hapoel recalls the previous derby, a 4-1 loss to Maccabi Tel Aviv, but believes the score did not reflect their performance. Barda is emphasizing discipline to his players, reminding them of Turel's red card in the last derby and urging them to avoid emotional reactions and provocations, maintaining responsibility throughout the match.
A projected lineup includes Assaf Tzur in goal, a defense of Benjamin Koko, Fernand Mayembo, Chico, and Yannick Lellind, with Lucas Falcao and El Yam Kancepolsky (or Adrian Cruyff) in midfield. The attacking trio is expected to be Roey Alkukin, Douglas Owusu, and Omri Altman, supporting Daniel Dapa.
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