Barak Bachar Tests Defensive Lineup as Maccabi Haifa Prepares for Sakhnin Match

Maccabi Haifa will visit Bnei Sakhnin on Saturday evening aiming to build on their recent victory against Ironi Tiberias and finalize their starting lineup ahead of the new season. Coach Barak Bachar plans to experiment with the defense by positioning Tsunami, usually a left-back, as a center-back alongside Nigel Lonwijk, reflecting adjustments made after the defensive performance in the Tiberias game. Kenny Saifi, recently recovered from injury, is expected to start as the left-back, replacing Tsunami, with Sean Goldberg also having been tested in that role.

The midfield trio likely to start this season includes Yarin Levi, Eitan Azoulay, and Bruninho, while the forward line remains under evaluation. Manuel Benson, returning to the squad after three months, is expected to get playing time, with Iyad Khalaily potentially starting in Benson's place if he is not fully fit. Khalaily is one of the few players besides Benson and Saifi who can fill this position. Despite a poor showing against Tiberias, Kangni Horka will continue to receive opportunities as the primary left winger to help him regain form.

In attack, Bachar surprised by including Silva Kani over Adam Grimberg, as Guy Melamed is sidelined with a minor cramp and new signing Andrea Novakovic is not yet match-ready. Young goalkeeper Glen Alwin, 19, will start his second consecutive game, as Omri Glazer is resting following an accident on Thursday. Although Maccabi Haifa is out of contention for the Toto Cup semifinals and the match is largely for protocol, the coaching staff is treating the game seriously due to the league's imminent start and the team's current underwhelming form.

Fans are expected to attend after ticket prices were reduced in Sakhnin, with hopes for a peaceful atmosphere following previous clashes outside Doha. The projected lineup includes Glen Alwin; Yila Btayi, Nigel Lonwijk, Tsunami, Kenny Saifi; Yarin Levi, Eitan Azoulay, Bruninho; Iyad Khalaily, Kangni Horka, and Silva Kani.