Barak Bachar Plans Major Lineup Overhaul for Maccabi Haifa Ahead of Toto Cup Match

Maccabi Haifa is set to face Ironi Kiryat Shmona tonight at 19:45 in the second round of the Toto Cup, aiming for their first victory in the competition. Following their recent derby loss, coach Barak Bachar is expected to implement significant changes to the starting lineup and make several adjustments to the squad. Yarin Levi and Andrea Novakovic are sidelined due to illness and did not train yesterday, likely missing the match due to a virus.

Ali Mohamed is slated to start in midfield, while Kenji Gorré, who came on as a substitute against Hapoel Haifa and provided two assists, will begin on the left wing. Players Jonny Nehor and Zohar Zasno, who underperformed in the derby, are expected to lose their starting spots. Defender Tsunami is anticipated to make his first start alongside Sean Goldberg, who will return to the center-back position after a less impressive stint as a fullback.

A team member noted that the club is in a rebuilding phase, with several players not yet fit to play full matches. Injuries from last season and ongoing trials by the coaching staff are factors in the lineup changes. The team remains focused on winning regardless of the starting eleven.

Separately, Ironi Kiryat Shmona has decided to hold a tribute ceremony for Yair Mordechai during their league match against Maccabi Haifa to encourage more northern fans to attend. The clubs agreed that Maccabi Haifa will pay Kiryat Shmona 700,000 shekels as a development fee for Mordechai. Kiryat Shmona’s coach, Shai Berada, plans to start foreign players Alexander Sola, Amadou Sagna, and Rufat Abdullazadeh, while Adrian Ugurisa will miss the game due to a knee sensitivity. Niv Gabay, on loan from Maccabi Haifa, is expected to lead the attack for Kiryat Shmona.