Georgi Yermakov sidelined for pivotal Haifa clash
In a setback for Maccabi Haifa, the club confirmed that goalkeeper Georgi Yermakov will not be part of the squad for Sunday’s showdown with reigning champions Maccabi Tel Aviv at 20:30 local time. Yermakov did not train after suffering a shoulder injury in the previous match against Hapoel Be’er Sheva, and despite efforts to rehabilitate in hopes of him featuring, the medical report was definitive: he will miss the match.
Haifa officials stated that Yermakov’s absence will see veteran reserve Sharif Kayouf stepping between the posts. The change is a reminder of how quickly an injury can reshape a game plan, especially in a high-stakes fixture against the league leaders. Haifa’s coaching staff will hope Kayouf can provide stability and composure as the team looks to arrest a disappointing run and push for a result against the champion side.
Flors rotates: two changes anticipated in the XI
Head coach Diego Flors is expected to make two alterations to the starting lineup compared with the 1-0 loss to Be’er Sheva. Midfield maestro Ali Mohamad is back from a recent setback and will start, linking up with Eitan Azulai and Matias Nahuel in a midfield that has typically provided drive and creativity when fully fit.
On the attacking front, Dolev Haziza returns to the XI, replacing Silva Kani, who, despite a decent showing in the first half against Be’er Sheva, makes way for Haziza’s experience and cutting-edge pace. In the forward line, Stuart is poised to retain his place at the top of the formation, providing leadership and goalscoring threat; the wide roles are expected to be filled by Suf Podgrano and other established options, preserving the team’s fluid attacking structure as Haifa chase a crucial result.
As for the rest of the lineup, the plan appears to keep much of the shape intact. Yermakov’s withdrawal forces a reshuffle at the back, with Kayouf taking charge of the goal where his presence and reflexes will be crucial in a match that could define Haifa’s early-season trajectory. Yovanović and Peter Agaba are likely to start on the bench, ready to be injected if Haifa lags in the second half.
Strategic implications against the champions
Facing Tel Aviv, Flors must balance defensive solidity with the urgency to attack. Kayouf’s ability to organize the back line and distribute under pressure will be tested by Tel Aviv’s quick transitions and clinical finishing. The absence of Yermakov—usually a commanding presence who helps manage defensive play and build from the back—puts more on Kayouf to command his area and make second-ball decisions with precision.
In midfield, Mohamad’s return injects energy and ball progression. Azulai’s movement and Nahuel’s creative spark could unlock Tel Aviv’s defense if Haifa can press effectively and deny space to their opponents in midfield battles. Haziza’s reintegration adds another layer of variety in the central areas, potentially enabling faster link-up play and smarter off-the-ball runs for the forwards.
What this lineup signals for Haifa’s season
Flors’ decision to rotate comes amid a congested schedule and a squad dealing with injuries. The two changes indicate a preference for a slightly different balance—reintroducing Mohamad’s energy in the middle while restoring Haziza’s experience to the midfield. The move also emphasizes Haifa’s intent to contest for every point against a top side, rather than settling for a narrow loss and moving on. If the forward line can capitalize on chances and if Kayouf can keep a disciplined defensive shape, Haifa could spring a surprise against Tel Aviv, reinforcing belief in the squad’s depth.
What to watch and final thoughts
Key questions heading into the match include: Can Kayouf provide the stability Haifa needs in goal? Will Mohamad and Nahuel unlock Tel Aviv’s defensive posture, and how effective will Haziza be in staging attacking moves from midfield? The answer to these questions will shape Haifa’s campaign over the coming weeks as the team aims to rebound from the Be’er Sheva loss and push toward a more consistent run of results.
Sunday’s clash is more than a single game; it is a test of Haifa’s resilience, depth, and tactical adaptability under pressure. With Yermakov out and Flors reshaping the XI, the stage is set for a telling encounter that could set the tone for the rest of the season.
