Maccabi Netanya open their Ligat Ha'al season at home on Monday evening against Bnei Sakhnin, and the headline team news, according to ONE, is the return of captain Karem Jaber to the starting eleven at right-back after a spell out of the side.
Also pencilled in is Dolev Haziza, the 31-year-old forward who joined Netanya on a free transfer from Maccabi Haifa this summer. ONE reports he trained fully in the build-up and is set to start in an attacking line alongside Oz Bilu and Matias Dabo.
Not everyone is available. Alon Azogui and Amri Shamir remain sidelined, ONE says, while Gregory Morozov has been moved to the bench for the opener.
Netanya arrive in decent form and spirits after a productive Toto Cup run that only ended at the semi-final stage, where Maccabi Tel Aviv beat them to reach the final - a result confirmed by Maccabi Tel Aviv's own club statement.
ONE reports that close to 5,000 fans have already committed to attending Monday's game, a strong number for an opening-round fixture and a sign of renewed optimism around the club under its new ownership.
That ownership belongs to Aliya Capital Partners, the Miami-based investment group led by Ross Kasten that completed its takeover of Maccabi Netanya last year. According to ONE, Kasten addressed the squad ahead of the season, telling players: "I expect a fighting team that gives 100% in every match and comes to win."
Kickoff against Bnei Sakhnin is set for 20:00 on Monday, with both sides looking to start the new Ligat Ha'al campaign on the front foot.
