Israel vs. France: Match Preview, Odds & Prediction

Israel and France will recommence their UEFA Nations League campaigns on Thursday evening in League A Group 2 at the Bozsik Arena in Budapest, where they will clash on neutral territory.

After two losses in September, the 'hosts' are at the bottom of the section, while Didier Deschamps's team scored three points from their first two matches last month.

Previous Matches and Head-to-head

In a mere 74 minutes against Italy on September 6, France conceded as many goals as they did throughout their entire Euro 2024 campaign, resulting in a 3-1 loss in Paris. This was the most abysmal start to the highest division of the Nations League.

Nevertheless, Deschamps's crop made up for that premature start in Lyon two days later when Paris Saint-Germain compatriots Randal Kolo Muani and Ousmane Dembele scored goals either side of the half-time interval in a 2-0 victory over Belgium. This victory ended a two-match losing streak in all tournaments.

Kolo Muani, Dembele, and other players will undoubtedly be expected to assume a more prominent role in the attacking phase after Antoine Griezmann's unexpected international retirement. Additionally, Kylian Mbappe was not selected for a France squad for the first time in three years this month.

Les Bleus are currently in second place in the Group 2 rankings, which would qualify them for direct entrance into the quarter-finals. They will face Belgium in a heavyweight reunion four days following Thursday's match. Deschamps is currently searching for alternative remedies at the summit of the table.

France's performance in the 2022-23 Nations League away from home is best left unsaid, as they could not secure any victories in their three games against Denmark, Croatia, or Austria outside of their homeland, accumulating only two points out of the nine available.

Nevertheless, Israel, the opponents of Thursday's match, are merely the administrative hosts of this upcoming fixture. The Skyblue and Whites have temporarily relocated to Hungary for their "home" fixtures as the Middle East remains conflicted.

Israel's ascent from League C to the top tier of the Nations League over the past six years was a valid baptism of fire. In the League A openers of September, they were first defeated 3-1 by Belgium in a game played behind closed doors. The only consolation was Timothy Castagne's own goal.

Three days later, Italy defeated Ran Ben Shimon's team 2-1 in Budapest, with strikes from Davide Frattesi and Moise Kean ensuring that Mohammad Abu Fani's final-gasp effort would prove inconsequential. A little over 2,000 spectators attended the game.

Israel is the undisputed favorite for an imminent relegation to League B, as they currently occupy fourth position in the Group 2 standings. They have only achieved two victories in their last nine games, against relative minnows Andorra (2-0) and Belarus (4-0).

France and Israel have also faced off on nine occasions over the years. However, the Skyblue and Whites have only achieved one victory against Les Bleus. However, they secured a pair of draws during their most recent encounter in 2006 World Cup qualifying.

Israel vs. France Team News

Although Mbappe and the now-retired Griezmann were only substitutes in the win over Belgium, Deschamps did not recall him to his squad to enable him a complete recovery, despite his recent muscular problem having been resolved before the October international break.

Bradley Barcola, the PSG successor to the Real Madrid attacker, should be deployed on the left. However, Kolo Muani has not had a successful domestic season, so Marcus Thuram of Inter Milan could serve as the attacking focal point.

Ibrahima Konate's prospects for the national team have been enhanced by the withdrawal of Bayern Munich defender Dayot Upamecano due to a quadriceps injury. This allows the Liverpool player to form a defensive partnership with fellow Premier League sensation William Saliba.

Since the squad was announced, Israel has also suffered the loss of two soldiers due to injury. Captain Eli Dasa and 20-year-old forward Dor Turgeman, both members of the Under-19 team that advanced to the Euro 2022 final, were compelled to withdraw.

The status of Tottenham Hotspur attacker Manor Solomon, who is presently on loan at Leeds United, has also been the subject of confusion. Despite missing the Whites' last four games due to a hamstring issue, Solomon was summoned up to the squad.

Nevertheless, it is widely believed that Solomon has chosen to remain in England to undergo rehabilitation rather than participate in the national team. His absence is a positive development for Oscar Gloukh, a highly regarded Red Bull Salzburg player who has the potential to take his place at the start.

Our Predictions

France to win and over 2.5 goals @ 1.57 on Sky247.ng

It may require some time for France to adjust to life without Griezmann drawing the reins in attack and at least a Mbappe-less France this month. However, they adapted well against Belgium and should be fine with completing the task.

Although Israel has a few promising players in the final third, they should not pose a significant threat to the resilient French defense. We predict that Deschamps's team will easily prevail in this match.

Elevate your betting experience with SKY247 Nigeria. Join now and discover a thrilling world of sports, live events, and exclusive bonuses. Bet with confidence on your favorite teams and games.