With five Matchdays left in the season, Maccabi will head to Hapoel Haifa with the goal of increasing their lead over Nir Klinger’s side as there is only 1 point separating the two teams.

After defeating Bnei Yehuda 2:0 last week, Jordi Cruyff will head to the Carmel with a number of players unavailable. Cristian Battocchio who was injured in the Bnei Yehuda match, Dor Peretz (yellow card accumulation), Barak Itzhaki (suspension) won’t be in the squad while Sheran Yeini is still recovering from his injury. Maccabi will look to pick up the win and inch closer to securing a Europa League qualification slot for next season.

“This wasn’t planned and it’s not pleasant that we are in this situation, but the players have something to battle for. The ticket to Europe is very important and the players are professionals who want to prove themselves for their own future as well,” Cruyff said at the pre-match press conference.

Defender Ofir Davidzada added, “In league play, a big club like Maccabi has to look good in every match and come into each game to win. We want to battle, look good and show everyone that we are Maccabi Tel Aviv.”