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

Maccabi Haifa is set to face Bnei Sakhnin on Saturday evening, aiming to build on their recent victory against Ironi Tiberias. The club is focused on establishing confidence and finding the optimal lineup ahead of the season opener. 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 Tiberias game. Kenny Saifi, recently recovered from injury, is expected to start as left-back, replacing Tsunami, with Sean Goldberg also tested in that role.

The anticipated midfield trio for the season includes Yarin Levi, Eitan Azulay, and Bruninho, while Bachar continues to seek the best attacking combinations. Manuel Benson, returning to the squad after three months, is likely to receive playing time, with Iyad Khalaily potentially starting in his place if Benson is not fully fit. Khalaily is one of the few players capable of filling this role alongside Benson and Saifi. Despite a poor performance 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, replacing Omri Glazer who is resting after an accident. Although Maccabi Haifa is out of contention for the Toto Cup semifinals and the match is largely for protocol, the coaching staff is taking it seriously ahead of the league start. 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 is Alwin; Yila Btayi, Lonwijk, Tsunami, Saifi; Levi, Azulay, Bruninho; Khalaily, Horka, Silva Kani.