France welcomes Israel on Thursday evening as it looks to take a victory that could ultimately prove to send them top of League A Group 2 in the UEFA Nations League. France earlier defeated Israel 4-1 in Budapest with Eduardo Camavinga, Christopher Nkunku, Matteo Guendouzi, and Bradley Barcola scoring.
Match Preview
Since that initial 3-1 loss to Italy in the Nations League opener, France has bounced back with three straight wins, including the victory over Israel and two wins against Belgium. Randal Kolo Muani has been influential in the two Belgium fixtures, scoring in a 2-0 home win in September and netting twice in a narrow 2-1 away win last month.
As it stands, France is second in Group A2, a point behind Italy. A draw with Israel will be sufficient to make the last eight if Belgium fails to defeat Italy. However, if Belgium wins and France loses, Les Bleus risk slipping towards the relegation playoffs.
Historically, France has not lost in seven games against Israel, though their most recent home match was a scoreless draw at Stade de France in 2004.
Form and Challenges of Israel
As expected, this campaign in the Nations League has been challenging for Israel with high-ranking opponents such as Italy, France, and Belgium. Four losses in as many games have left them at the bottom of this group, and they will be relegated to League B in case of a loss against France or if Belgium beats Italy.
Off-field tensions, linked to regional conflict and recent violent clashes between sets of fans, have added to the tension, but Israel’s squad will take to the field under tight security, with France President Emmanuel Macron in attendance.
Ranked 81 in the world, Israel have fond memories of a 3-2 victory over France in 1993, the only time they’ve defeated Les Bleus. The match had a young Didier Deschamps in midfield for France; he is the team’s current coach.
Team News
France
Out: Kylian Mbappe (rested), Wesley Fofana, Loic Bade (injuries), Aurelien Tchouameni (suspended)
Returning Players: N’Golo Kante, Adrien Rabiot
Expected Lineup (4-2-3-1): Maignan; Kounde, Konate, Saliba, Hernandez; Kante, Camavinga; Dembele, Olise, Barcola; Kolo Muani
With Kylian Mbappe absent, Randal Kolo Muani will lead the attack. Lille’s Lucas Chevalier is in line for his first call-up as a back-up to Mike Maignan.
Israel
Out: Dor Turgeman, Omri Glazer (injuries)
Returning Player: Manor Solomon
Predicted Line-up : [4-3-3] Peretz; Dasa, Feingold, Nachimas; Abada, Kanichowsky, Abu Fani, Haziza; Gloukh, Gandelman; Baribo
Israel’s captain Eli Dasa will probably offer some defensive support, while Tottenham winger Manor Solomon- on loan at Leeds- may be restored to the first team.
Prediction: France 3-0 Israel
Even with Israel scoring in each of their Nations League games this season, the sternness of France’s backline is likely to be a mountain to climb. Les Bleus remain clear favorites and expected to take all three points on home soil with a comfortable win.
