Ironi Tiberias Adjusts Lineup Ahead of Premier League Opener Against Hapoel Petah Tikva

Ironi Tiberias is finalizing preparations for their 2026/27 Israeli Premier League season opener against Hapoel Petah Tikva, scheduled for Saturday. Coaches Moti Krispil and Alon Ziv plan to implement a three-center-back formation to strengthen the defense and aim for their first points of the season, despite starting with a six-point deduction. The club expressed determination to prove their resilience and remain in the league despite the penalty.

Positive news for Tiberias includes the return of striker Itamar Shabiro from a knee injury, expected to start the match. Defender Ndjaye Batcho, recently back from a personal trip to the Czech Republic for his son's birth, will also return to the starting lineup. New signings Daniel Golani and Ziv Morgan will debut together, with Golani, usually a left winger, set to play in a new central midfield role. Additionally, Samir Farhoud, loaned from Hapoel Be'er Sheva, will be available after completing his suspension.

However, the team will be without striker Case Ganem, sidelined due to a groin injury. The projected starting lineup includes goalkeeper Ido Sharon; defenders Guy Sanker, Ron Ungar, and Ndjaye Batcho; midfielders Ziv Morgan and Gal Ma'atok; attacking midfielders Chris Koako, Ari Cohen, and Daniel Golani; and forwards Mansour Badji and Itamar Shabiro.