Georgi Yermakov sidelined ahead of Haifa’s showdown with Tel Aviv
Georgi Yermakov will not be part of Maccabi Haifa’s squad for Sunday’s 20:30 kickoff against reigning champions Maccabi Tel Aviv. The Jewish-Ukrainian goalkeeper did not train after sustaining a shoulder injury in the recent match against Hapoel Be’er Sheva. Haifa’s medical staff officially confirmed that Yermakov will be unavailable for the encounter, despite an attempted rehabilitation ahead of the fixture. The plan is now for the club to rely on their backup between the posts, with Sherif Kyof set to start in goal.
The decision keeps Haifa short between the posts as they chase a result that could help them keep pace in a tightly contested league race. While there was hope the injury might ease in time, the lingering shoulder pain has prevented the keeper from taking part in full training sessions, leaving coach Diego Flores with a clear line of succession for the match against the champions.
Two changes on the cards for Flores after defeat to Be’er Sheva
Coach Diego Flores is expected to reshuffle his XI compared with the side that suffered a 1-0 loss to Be’er Sheva. A pair of returning faces will bolster Haifa’s lineup: Ali Mohammed comes back from injury and will be part of the starting midfield, alongside Eitan Azulai and Matias Nahuel, who despite a disappointing season continues to earn minutes from Flores. In another notable alteration, Dolev Haziza is set to reclaim a starting berth on the right wing, taking the spot of Silva Kani, who had appeared in the first half of the Be’er Sheva game with mixed results.
With Yermakov unavailable, Kyof faces a pressure-filled baptism as Haifa’s go-to man between the sticks. Flores will be hoping the changes inject spark and balance into a side that clearly felt the absence of their first-choice custodian in a crucial moment of the campaign. The tactical tweak suggests Flores wants more dynamism from the attacking players while keeping a steady defensive shape against a formidable Tel Aviv outfit.
Predicted lineup and what it means for Haifa
Beyond the two confirmed changes, the remainder of Haifa’s squad is anticipated to stay close to the configuration used in recent weeks. In defense, the backline is expected to hold the shape that has served Haifa reasonably well this term, aiming to blunt Tel Aviv’s expected forward play. Up front, Stuart remains the central focal point, with Suf Podgriano operating on the wing to provide width and service for the attackers.
On the substitutes’ bench, Yovanovich and Petar Agaba are likely to be named among the reserves, ready to come on if Haifa seek to protect a lead or chase a late goal. The depth at Flores’s disposal will be tested, but the selection changes signal a clear intent: take the initiative against Tel Aviv by reinforcing midfield control and delivering more crosses into an in-form striker load. The match holds significant meaning for Haifa as they attempt to close the gap to the league’s top teams and reclaim momentum lost in recent fixtures.
Why this clash matters for Haifa
Sunday’s game against Tel Aviv is more than a routine fixture; it’s a barometer for Haifa’s title ambitions and their ability to bounce back from a loss. The squad knows that results against direct rivals can define their season trajectory, and Flores’s decision to rotate and reintroduce key players reflects a strategic approach to endurance and form. A positive result would not only ease pressure on the squad but also signal that Haifa can compete with the league’s strongest sides despite the setback in goal.
Kick-off and what to watch
The match starts at 20:30 local time on Sunday. Watch for how Haifa translates the changes into a cohesive unit, particularly the interplay between Ali Mohammed, Eitan Azulai, and Matias Nahuel in midfield, and whether Sherif Kyof can keep a clean sheet in front of a reduced backline. With the attackers charged with providing the cutting edge, Hakifa’s defense will be tested by Tel Aviv’s pace and movement up front. Fans will be eager to see if the tactical tweaks yield the necessary lift in the battle for league positioning.
