UEFA Nations League

[monks data]

Nations League | League B

Nov 18, 2020 at 7.45pm UK

Israel
1 - 0
Scotland

Solomon (44')
Abu Fani (87'), Marciano (90+4'), Dgani (90+5')

FT(HT: 1-0)

Jack (85')

Preview: Israel vs. Scotland – prediction, team news, lineups

By Oliver Thomas, Senior Reporter

Published: November 16 2020 | 19:30

Last updated: June 5 2024 | 13:46

Sports Mole previews Wednesday's Nations League clash between Israel and Scotland, including predictions, team news and possible lineups.

Scotland take on Israel in the UEFA Nations League on Wednesday night with the hope of securing top spot and promotion from League B Group 2.

Meanwhile, Israel's poor run of form continues after winning only one of their last eight international matches.

Match preview

Israel manager Willibald Ruttensteiner pictured in October 2020 © Reuters

Israel's slim chances of promotion from League B Group 2 were squandered after a narrow 1-0 defeat to Czech Republic on Sunday evening.

Willibald Ruttensteiner's side now face the possibility of relegation from the group should they lose to Scotland and Slovakia beat the Czech Republic.

If Slovakia were to draw on Wednesday night, then Israel would survive even if they lost to Scotland as they have obtained a higher number of points against Slovakia from their two matches against each other.

Israel will be hoping that they can rely on attacking talisman Eran Zahavi, who has five goals from their five Nations League matches – only Norway's Erling Braut Haaland has more goals in this year's competition.

The hosts will also be looking to secure their first home victory since this time last year, when they beat Latvia 3-1 in a Euro 2020 qualifier.

Scotland players celebrate after beating Serbia on penalties in their Euro 2020 playoff on November 12, 2020 © Reuters

Scotland's impressive run of nine international matches unbeaten came to an end on Sunday afternoon, following a 1-0 away defeat to Slovakia.

Jan Gregus's deflected strike in the first half prevented a much-changed Scotland side from equalling their longest run without defeat since 1927.

The Scots had the chance to secure top spot in League B Group 2, however defeat means that their lead at the top has been cut to just one point after the Czechs' win against Israel.

Scotland just need to match or better Czech Republic's result against Slovakia in order to finish top, however victory on Wednesday in their final group match would see Steve Clarke's side promoted as table toppers and would potentially secure one of two World Cup playoff places.

The Scots will be hoping to end their Nations League campaign on a high as they look forward to next summer's Euro 2020 competition.

Israel Nations League form: DDLWL
Israel form (all competitions): DDLLWL

Scotland Nations League form: DWWWL
Scotland form (all competitions): WWWWWL

Team News

Scotland manager Steve Clarke pictured on November 15, 2020 © Reuters

Israel and Celtic defender Hatem Abd Elhamed is suspended after being shown a red card in the 1-0 loss to the Czech Republic. Central defender Orel Dgani is likely to come in to the side and replace the 29-year-old.

Attacking trio Manor Solomon, Eran Zahavi and Munas Dabbur are likely to keep their places in the starting lineup.

Scotland and Liverpool full-back Andrew Robertson is to miss the match on Wednesday with a hamstring injury, which could see Arsenal's Kieran Tierney keep his spot at left wing-back or Celtic's Greg Taylor brought into the starting XI.

Stephen O'Donnell could also come back into the starting lineup, replacing Liam Palmer at right wing-back.

Lyndon Dykes, who missed the loss to Slovakia after serving a one-match suspension, could return for the Scots up front and replace Oli McBurnie.

Israel possible starting lineup:
Marciano; Dgani, Tibi, Yeini; Dasa, Natkho, Golasa, Kandil; Solomon, Zahavi, Dabbur

Scotland possible starting lineup:
Marshall; McTominay, McKenna, Gallagher; O'Donnell, McLean, McGinn, McGregor, Tierney; Christie, Dykes

SM words green background

We say: Israel 1-2 Scotland

Both sides have something to play for and know that a win would secure their respective promotion or survival from League B Group 2. Israel have quality in the final third which could cause Scotland problems, but that may not be enough to secure any points on their home turf against an in-form Scotland side.

Top betting tip

Our expert tipster partners at Sporita.com are predicting over 1.5 goals in this match. Click here to find out what else they are predicting for this game and for more of their tried-and-tested football tips.