Maccabi Haifa Prepares for Season Opener Against Dundee with Mixed Lineup

Maccabi Haifa is set to face Scottish club Dundee today in their first preseason match ahead of the 2026/27 season. Despite facing criticism on social media for agreeing to the fixture, 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 only arrived yesterday, and Pedrão is unfit, alongside other injured players remaining in Israel.

Yarin Levi will start in midfield for Haifa, marking his return to the club where he grew up after two years with Beitar Jerusalem. Yair Mordechai, recently signed from Ironi Kiryat Shmona, is expected to make an unofficial debut on the left wing, with Cedric Don playing just behind the striker. The forward position will see competition between last season's top scorer Guy Melamed and Adam Grimberg. Meanwhile, Tribenta Stewart is not in the club's plans and is being shopped for a 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 offers a glimpse into Haifa's tactical preparations and squad adjustments ahead of the new league campaign.