Maccabi Petah Tikva Prepares for Premier League Return Against Hapoel Kiryat Shmona

Maccabi Petah Tikva is set to begin its return season in the Israeli Premier League with a home match against Hapoel Kiryat Shmona on Saturday at HaMoshava Stadium. The team arrives with positive momentum after securing two victories in the Toto Cup, but the coaching staff acknowledges the challenge posed by the northern Israeli club. Head coach Ziv Arie plans to maintain continuity by keeping the starting lineup largely unchanged from the previous game. Notably, José Cortés, who has shown promising form early in the season, is expected to remain on the bench, while Samuel Owusu will continue to start alongside Marko Rakonjac and Kyle Spence. Additionally, Yoav Koren, recently loaned from Hapoel Be'er Sheva, is anticipated to make his debut in the squad. The projected starting lineup includes Maor Ehrlich in goal; defenders Guy Dzent, Pavlos Koreia, Eitan Tibi, and Aviv Salem; midfielders Ibrahima Soma, Ido Cohen, and Liran Hazan; and forwards Owusu, Rakonjac, and Spence.