Both Israel and Republic of Ireland struggled in the final third in their opening matches, registering just one shot on target. I don't expect to see a lot of goals in Debrecen.
Key Stats
- Israel have failed to score in 3 of their last 7 matches.
- Republic of Ireland have seen under 2.5 goals in 4 of their last 5 matches.
Five Previous Meetings
A majority of the previous head-to-head clashes between these nations ended in draws (3 out of 5), with the two sides level at 1-1 in terms of victories.
Israel Playing on a Neutral Venue
Israel started this year with a 2-2 draw against Georgia in March (international friendly) where they recovered from a two-goal deficit, Guy Mizrahi and Omri Gendelman finding the net.
The second appearance was in June in Tirana, beating Albania 1-0 as underdogs with Oscar Gloukh finding the net in the second half.
The SkyBlue & Whites were tagged underdogs on Thursday in the UNL season-opening match against Austria in Linz. Sayd Abu Farhi scored an equalizer for them in the 55th minute but got sent off just one moment later, leading to a 3-1 loss.
Ireland Coming off a Disappointing Performance
Republic of Ireland started 2026 with a painful loss to the Czech Republic in the WC qualifying playoffs in March, followed by a goalless friendly draw against North Macedonia.
Their results improved in next three friendlies, earning victories against Granada 5-0 and Qatar 1-0, while the clash against Canada ended in a 1-1 draw.
Heimir Hallgrimsson's side was deservedly beaten by Kosovo 1-0 on Thursday in their UEFA Nations League opening clash, ending this match with 0.25-2.75 expected goals and 1-8 shots on target.
Team News & Predicted Lineups
Israel (4-2-3-1) Daniel Peretz; Eli Dasa, Idan Nachmias, Raz Shlomo, Roy Revivo; Eliel Peretz, Dor Peretz; Anan Khalaily, Oscar Gloukh, Manor Solomon; Dor Turgeman
Suspended forward Abu Farkhi is unavailable after receiving red card against Austria, alongside injured defensive trio Stav Lemkin, Itay Rotman, and Or Blorian.
Suspended forward Abu Farkhi is unavailable after receiving red card against Austria, alongside injured defensive trio Stav Lemkin, Itay Rotman, and Or Blorian.
Republic of Ireland (5-2-2-1) Caoimhin Kelleher; Jake O'Brien, James Abankwah, John Egan, Dara O'Shea, Ryan Manning; Jayson Molumby, Jason Knight; Finn Azaz, Chiedozie Ogbene; Troy Parrott
The visiting side is missing captain Nathan Collins, Evan Ferguson, Josh Cullen, Jack Taylor, and Seamus Coleman.
The visiting side is missing captain Nathan Collins, Evan Ferguson, Josh Cullen, Jack Taylor, and Seamus Coleman.