"A derby is a derby": Hapoel Petah Tikva prepares for its first test
Omer Peretz's squad is taking the Toto Cup seriously ahead of Saturday's match against their city rivals at 20:30. New signings Avishai Cohen and Guy Badash are expected to feature in the starting lineup.
There is great anticipation at Hapoel Petah Tikva ahead of tomorrow's derby (Saturday, 20:30) in the Toto Cup against Maccabi Petah Tikva. Although it is only the Toto Cup, the team is eager to start on the right foot following their successful campaign as a newly promoted side last year.
Coach Omer Peretz plans to field several new players who arrived this summer, including right-back Avishai Cohen, who joined from M.S. Ashdod, and winger Guy Badash. Stav Israeli will start in central defense alongside Orel Dgani, while Yazan Nassar, who arrived from Hapoel Tel Aviv, will take the left-back position. The midfield will be anchored by Tomer Altman, Boni Amian, and Roi David, with Chipioka Sunga and Shavit Mazal leading the attack.
"A derby is a derby. It is important to everyone," the team stated this morning. "We have made quite a few changes this summer, especially in the back line, and it is crucial to start the Toto Cup with a win."
