Hapoel Be'er Sheva Plans Lineup Changes Ahead of Crucial Champions League Playoff

Following a 2-1 loss to Vikingur in last week's UEFA Champions League qualifiers, Hapoel Be'er Sheva is preparing for the decisive return leg against the Icelandic team scheduled for Wednesday. Coach Ran Kozuch is considering significant changes to the starting lineup, as recent training sessions indicate he has not finalized his choices.

Midfielder Eliel Peretz, a key player during the club's championship season, remains out of the starting eleven and has yet to feature this season, hoping to improve his standing soon. Matan Baltaxa has been trained both as a center-back and a left-back but is expected to start as a left-back.

Notably, in the attacking line, Zahi Ahmed and Javon East have been practiced in the starting lineup at the expense of Mohammed Abu Romi and Amir Ganah, suggesting potential surprises in the forward positions. Kozuch is likely to confirm his final decisions after the last training session before the match.

The team recognizes the importance of this game, with internal statements emphasizing the necessity of victory to advance to the next stage. "Failing to progress would be a huge disappointment," the club said, "We must do everything to secure a European season starting tomorrow."