Facing off on neutral ground at the Bozsik Arena in Budapest, Israel and France will continue their UEFA Nations League campaigns on Thursday in League A Group 2. France sits second in the group standings, while Israel, having suffered two defeats in September, occupies the bottom spot.
Match Preview
France’s struggles and redemption
France got off to a rocky start in the current Nations League campaign, losing 3-1 to Italy in Paris. In that match, they conceded as many goals in 74 minutes as they did during their entire Euro 2024 campaign. However, Didier Deschamps’ side bounced back quickly with a 2-0 victory over Belgium, where PSG duo Randal Kolo Muani and Ousmane Dembele found the net.
With Antoine Griezmann having retired from international football and Kylian Mbappe left out for recovery purposes, the responsibility falls on new attacking options like Kolo Muani and Dembele. As they look to continue their winning ways, France also faces an upcoming heavyweight match against Belgium.
France’s away form has been shaky in recent Nations League campaigns, failing to win away from home during the 2022-23 season. Nevertheless, they will aim to improve this record against Israel.
Israel’s uphill battle
Israel has found itself in a tough situation, as ongoing conflict in the Middle East has forced them to play their “home” fixtures in Hungary. September was a challenging month for them, with back-to-back losses—3-1 against Belgium and 2-1 against Italy. Their only goal against Belgium came via a Timothy Castagne own goal, and despite a late strike from Mohammad Abu Fani against Italy, it wasn’t enough.
Sitting bottom of Group 2 with no points, Israel are clear favorites for relegation back to League B. Their two recent victories came against lesser opponents, Andorra and Belarus, but they face a much sterner test in France.
Historically, Israel has struggled against France, winning only one of their nine encounters. However, they managed to hold Les Bleus to two draws during 2006 World Cup qualifying.
Team News
France
Kylian Mbappe has been left out of the squad as he continues his recovery from a muscular issue, giving Bradley Barcola a chance to start in his place. Marcus Thuram, who has enjoyed a stronger domestic season than Kolo Muani, could lead the line in attack. Meanwhile, Bayern Munich defender Dayot Upamecano has been ruled out due to a thigh injury, opening the door for Ibrahima Konate to partner William Saliba in central defense.
Israel
Israel has also been hit by injury woes, losing captain Eli Dasa and 20-year-old forward Dor Turgeman. Tottenham’s Manor Solomon, who has been recovering from a hamstring injury, will not join the squad, likely giving highly-rated Salzburg starlet Oscar Gloukh a chance to start.
Possible Lineups
Israel:
- GK: Gerafi
- DEF: Feingold, Nachimas, Shlomo, Leidner
- MID: Abu Fani, Kanichowsky
- ATT: Abada, Peretz, Gloukh
- FWD: Baribo
France:
- GK: Maignan
- DEF: Kounde, Saliba, Konate, Hernandez
- MID: Zaire-Emery, Tchouameni, Camavinga
- ATT: Dembele, Thuram, Barcola
Prediction
France will be adjusting to life without Griezmann and Mbappe, but their attacking depth should be more than enough to overcome Israel. While Israel possesses a few dangerous players in the final third, France’s solid defense should hold firm, and Deschamps’ side is expected to win comfortably.
Prediction: Israel 0-2 France
