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

Maccabi Petah Tikva is set to begin its return season to the Israeli Premier League with a home match against Hapoel Kiryat Shmona at HaMoshava Stadium on Saturday. The team arrives with positive momentum after securing two wins in the Toto Cup but acknowledges the challenge posed by the northern Israeli club. Coach Ziv Arie plans to maintain continuity by fielding a similar starting lineup to the previous match, keeping José Cortés on the bench despite his strong early-season form. Samuel Owusu is expected to continue starting 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 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.