Georgi Yermakov sidelined as Haifa prep for Tel Aviv clash
Georgi Yermakov will not be in the Maccabi Haifa squad for Sunday’s 20:30 kickoff against Maccabi Tel Aviv after missing training due to a shoulder injury sustained in the win over Hapoel Be”er Sheva. Haifa’s camp confirmed the Jewish-Ukrainian goalkeeper will not feature, despite an attempt to engineer a late recovery. The team will instead rely on Sharif Kyof, who is set to deputize in goal for the crucial clash.
Two changes on the cards for Diego Flores
The coach is expected to make two changes to the side that endured a 1-0 loss to Be”er Sheva in the previous match. Ali Mohamed returns from injury and will start alongside Eitan Azulai and Matias Noahuel, providing a more balanced midfield presence and an increased ability to link play between defense and attack. In addition, Dolev Haziza is back into the XI, replacing Silva Kani, who showed decent form in the opening period of the Be”er Sheva game but could not sustain it for the full 90 minutes.
Beyond those two moves, Flores is anticipated to keep the majority of his lineup intact. The frontline anchor remains Stuart, while Sof Podgarrano operates on the left wing to offer pace and creativity. In midfield, the combination of Noahuel and Azulai will look to supply Haziza and Stuart with service, while the backline will adapt to Kyof’s presence in goal. Yovanovic and Peter Agaba are expected to feature from the bench as the coach looks to preserve options for the second half should the game demand a different approach.
What this means for the Tel Aviv clash
Missing Yermakov is a setback for Haifa, who will rely on Kyof to organize the defense and maintain stability at the back. The injury update adds urgency for the backline to adapt quickly. Haifa’s attack will be tested by Tel Aviv’s pressing game, and Flores will hope Ali Mohamed’s return provides more control in midfield and the creative spark Haziza can supply from the center of the park. The balance between defense and attack will be decisive, as the champions look to assert themselves and Haifa seeks a positive response after the Be”er Sheva defeat.
Starting lineup and substitutes to watch
As for the rest of the XI, the attacking spearhead remains Stuart, who can influence the game when supplied with good service from midfield. Sof Podgarrano will again be relied upon for width, while the second line of attackers will look to feed him and the central striker with quality balls. The bench options—Yovanovic and Peter Agaba among them—offer Flores a plan B should the need arise, including more creativity or fresh legs late in the match.
