Israel will close out their UEFA Nations League (UNL) campaign needing to win to have any chance of avoiding a relegation play-off and may be glad that final opponents Austria have nothing but an unbeaten record to play for.
Match News and Current Form
Israel could be on course for back-to-back relegations after their drop down to League B continues to produce even more misery on the pitch. Failing to capitalise on playing against ten men for the final 24 minutes of their 0-0 draw with Kosovo kept them bottom of Group B3 and winless in this cycle (D3, L2), so they’ll need a victory as well as a favourable result between Ireland and Kosovo to have any chance of avoiding a relegation play-off, but that looks a tall order for a side who’ve now won only one of 11 UNL fixtures since the start of 2024/25 (D4, L6).
Austria have now secured their second promotion to League A after a hard-fought 1-0 win at home to Ireland, which was made all the more impressive given the raft of injuries in their squad. Ralf Rangnick’s men recorded their first clean sheet of this UNL campaign - and their first in ten competitive matches - as they showed off their depth to move one step away from their first-ever unbeaten UNL campaign. There could be no better way to cap it off than with potentially just their second win from their last nine UNL matches outside of Austria (D3, L4) and their first of this cycle.
Head-to-Head History
All five H2Hs played in the last ten years saw the home team of the day win by a 2+ goal margin, although Israel’s two victories therein were not played on neutral soil as this game will be (Nagyerdei Stadion in Debrecen).
Hot Stats and Streaks
Nine of Israel’s 12 ‘home’ games in Hungary produced over 2.5 total goals.
Israel conceded 3+ goals in 11 of their last 12 losses.
Half of Austria’s ten goals in this UNL cycle came after the 75th minute.
Austria led at half-time in six of their last nine victories, including the reverse H2H.
Key Players to Watch and Missing Players
Israel’s Liel Abada came into this window with five goals in his last three games for Charlotte and he recorded a team-high two shots on target against Kosovo. Saša Kalajdžić scored Austria’s winning goal against Ireland, which was only the second of his last 14 goals for his club or country to serve as the match opener.
Israel’s Raz Shlomo misses out through suspension, while Manor Solomon is doubtful with a back injury. Alexander Prass joined Austria’s already lengthy injury list prior to their last game.
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Betting Analysis
Israel need to go all out for glory, and with Austria playing without pressure, over 2.5 goals looks a likely prospect.
Author: Aaron Murphy