Hapoel Ramat Gan Prepares for Premier League Return Without Captain Zuta

Hapoel Ramat Gan is set to make its return to the Israeli Premier League with an away match against Maccabi Haifa at Sammy Ofer Stadium on Saturday. The team will be coached by Masai Dago, who faces his former club Maccabi Haifa for the first time since leading them to second place in the league standings. Ramat Gan will be missing their captain, Zuta, who was sent off during stoppage time in their previous match against Beitar Jerusalem. Additionally, new signing Matan Hozaz will not be included in the squad as he is still integrating into the team.

In Zuta's absence, Marcio Silva will start in central defense, replacing the suspended Portuguese defender. Gatatcho Yablo will make his Premier League debut in the starting lineup against his former club, while Maxim Plakuschenko, also an ex-Haifa player, will lead the midfield. The expected starting lineup includes Amit Reif as goalkeeper; defenders Yablo, Omer Yitzhak, Silva, and Fard Ibrahim; midfielders Sergej Mihailovic, Christopher Boniface, and Plakuschenko; and forwards Luan Campos, David Asanka, and Marius Novaisi, with Idan Barness as a substitute.

This match marks a significant moment for Hapoel Ramat Gan as they aim to establish themselves in the top tier after their recent promotion.