Maccabi Tel Aviv Faces CSKA Sofia With Several Key Changes in Europa League Qualifier
Maccabi Tel Aviv will face CSKA Sofia on Thursday at 19:00 in Batumi in the first leg of the third qualifying round of the Europa League. The Israeli club is expected to field a weakened squad due to the absence of two key defenders. Roy Revivo is currently in advanced negotiations with a Spanish club, and Shagiv Yehezkel is sidelined with an injury. Their likely replacements are Shahar Rozen and Itay Ben Hamo.
The midfield lineup is expected to include Issouf Sissoko, Dor Peretz, and Itamar Noy, with Ido Shahar and Helio Varela on the wings. The forward position will be held by Said Abu Farhi, while new signing Astr Sukler is anticipated to start on the bench. Coach Kenny Miller plans to make several changes to the starting eleven.
Players expressed confidence despite the challenges, noting that the upcoming match is a tougher test than their previous encounter with Sheriff Tiraspol. They believe that even with a depleted lineup, the team has the quality and confidence to secure a victory and advance in the competition.
The projected starting lineup is: Ofek Malika; Itay Ben Hamo, Raz Shlomo, Mohamed Ali Kamara, Shahar Rozen; Issouf Sissoko, Itamar Noy, Dor Peretz; Ido Shahar, Helio Varela, Said Abu Farhi.
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