France is set to take on Israel at the Stade de France this Thursday evening, aiming to keep their UEFA Nations League Group A promotion hopes alive. With only a single point behind leaders Italy, a win would bring France within reach of the group’s top spot.
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Last month’s reverse fixture in Budapest saw Les Bleus dominate Israel with a convincing 4-1 victory, with goals from Eduardo Camavinga, Christopher Nkunku, Matteo Guendouzi, and Bradley Barcola. Now, with home advantage, Didier Deschamps’s squad aims to replicate their success and secure a top position in their group.
Match Preview and Form Guide
Since their opening 3-1 loss to Italy, France has bounced back with three consecutive victories, including two wins over Belgium. Randal Kolo Muani, who has been a standout in recent matches, was instrumental in both Belgian matchups, netting goals that helped France secure a valuable six points in the group standings.
Ranked second globally by FIFA, the 2021 Nations League champions are positioned well for a shot at the top of Group A. To advance to the quarter-finals, France needs to avoid defeat against Israel on Thursday, hoping that Belgium doesn’t upset Italy in their parallel matchup. However, if Belgium wins and France falters, Les Bleus will risk relegation.
Thursday’s clash marks the eighth meeting between France and Israel, with Les Bleus maintaining an unbeaten record in their previous encounters. France’s last home match against Israel resulted in a goalless draw at the Stade de France during World Cup qualifiers in 2004, and they aim to improve that record with another win this week.
Security and Off-field Concerns
The game proceeds amidst high tensions in Europe, following violent clashes last week between Ajax and Maccabi Tel-Aviv fans in Amsterdam, linked to the ongoing Gaza conflict. The National Security Council has advised Israeli fans in Europe to avoid overt displays of national identity, leading to heightened security measures for Thursday’s game. French President Emmanuel Macron is expected to attend as a show of support and solidarity.
Israel’s Tough Nations League Run
As anticipated, Israel has struggled in Group A, facing defeats in all four of their matches so far. Currently sitting at the bottom of the table, they risk relegation to League B unless they manage to secure a win over France. Additionally, Belgium’s performance against Italy could impact Israel’s slim chances of survival. Coach Ran Ben Shimon’s squad has an uphill battle but can draw inspiration from Israel’s sole victory in France – a memorable 3-2 win in World Cup qualifying back in 1993, a match in which Deschamps himself was on the pitch.
Team News and Lineups
France
Deschamps has left out Real Madrid star Kylian Mbappe, citing it as the “best choice” for now, and is contending with a string of injuries to key players including Wesley Fofana, Loic Bade, and Aurelien Tchouameni. Tchouameni is also serving a suspension following a red card against Belgium.
Lille’s rising star, Lucas Chevalier, has earned a first-time call-up, though it’s expected that Mike Maignan will start as goalkeeper. In the midfield, N’Golo Kante and Adrien Rabiot return, both likely pairing with Eduardo Camavinga. Kolo Muani, on a four-game scoring streak, is expected to lead the front line in Mbappe’s absence, supported by the offensive talents of Ousmane Dembele, Michael Olise, and Bradley Barcola.
Projected France Lineup: Maignan; Kounde, Konate, Saliba, Hernandez; Kante, Camavinga; Dembele, Olise, Barcola; Kolo Muani
Israel
Israel is without injured forward Dor Turgeman and regular goalkeeper Omri Glazer. Captain Eli Dasa, however, returns to the squad after his own injury layoff, likely stepping in as right-back or center-back. Tottenham loanee Manor Solomon is also back but remains uncertain for the starting lineup, leaving Oscar Gloukh and Omri Gandelman to vie for offensive roles. Israel’s goal will be guarded by either Yoav Gerafi or Bayern Munich’s Daniel Peretz, with midfield roles likely going to Dor Peretz, Gavriel Kanichowsky, and Mohammad Abu Fani.
Projected Israel Lineup: Peretz; Dasa, Feingold, Nachimas; Abada, Kanichowsky, Abu Fani, Haziza; Gloukh, Gandelman; Baribo
Prediction and Outlook
While Israel has managed to score in each Nations League match so far, breaking through France’s defenses at home will be an uphill task. Despite the absence of Mbappe, France boasts a deep roster and is heavily favored to win, positioning themselves strongly for their decisive match against Italy. We anticipate France securing all three points with a comfortable display on home soil.
