Maccabi Tel Aviv Faces Key Decision Ahead of Toto Cup Final Derby

Maccabi Tel Aviv is set to face Hapoel Tel Aviv in the Toto Cup final on Thursday, with the first trophy of the season on the line. The team is focused on defeating their city rivals and securing the cup.

The primary lineup decision for Maccabi Tel Aviv revolves around who will start as the striker: Esther Sukler or Elad Madmon. Osher Davida is expected to return to the starting lineup, replacing Shagiv Yehezkel, who will move to left-back in place of the injured Ben Harush. The rest of the squad is anticipated to remain unchanged.

There was also a possibility of Roi Mefsheti starting in goal over Ofek Malika, but training sessions did not indicate the coaching staff intended to make a change in that position. The club expressed anticipation for the match, stating, "One game that has everything. Prestige, a trophy, and a sporting battle for the city. You don't need more than that. A full stadium, come to enjoy and give everything. This is a game every player wants to be on the pitch for."

Maccabi Tel Aviv will be without five foreign players due to injuries: Kristian Bliz, Tyris Esenta, and Yon Nicolascou, along with the injured Ben Harush. The left-back position has been thinned by the departure of Revivo and Ben Harush's injury, leaving only one natural left-back, Shahar Rosen. Groper is still not training with the team and is expected to return after the international break following an ACL injury.

The projected starting lineup includes Ofek Malika, Shagiv Yehezkel, Mohamed Camara, Raz Shlomo, James Tavernier, Issouf Sissoko, Dor Peretz, Gabi Kanyikovsky, Osher Davida, Helio Varela, and either Elad Madmon or Esther Sukler.