Maccabi Haifa Prepares for Season Opener Against Dundee with Mixed Lineup

Maccabi Haifa is set to face Scottish club Dundee in their first preseason match for the 2026/27 season on Saturday. Despite criticism on social media, Dundee refused to postpone the game. Haifa's coach Barak Bachar will not field a full squad due to several absences: Kanji Hura has yet to return to training, Bruninho arrived only the day before, Pedrao is unfit, and other injured players remain in Israel.

Yarin Levi is expected to start in midfield, returning to the club where he grew up after two years with Beitar Jerusalem. Yair Mordechai, who joined this summer from Ironi Kiryat Shmona, is also likely to make an unofficial debut, playing on the left wing. Cedric Don is slated to start just behind the striker. The forward position will see competition between last season's top scorer Guy Melamed and Adam Grimberg, while Tribenta Stewart is not in the club's plans and is being shopped for transfer.

Coach Bachar plans to experiment with two formations during the match. Alongside his usual 4-3-3 setup, he has recently practiced a system featuring a back three. This preseason game will provide insights into Haifa's tactical approach and squad readiness ahead of the new Israeli Premier League season.